A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Svea since 1892
Babies named Svea per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2022, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Svea's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 33 |
| 1910s | 109 |
| 1920s | 25 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 7 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 37 |
| 2000s | 181 |
| 2010s | 325 |
| 2020s | 239 |
Meaning & origin
Svea first appeared in U.S. records in 1892 and reached its peak rank of 1,909 in 1909, reflecting the wave of Scandinavian immigration. After decades of obscurity, the name began a resurgence in 1993, climbing steadily back into use. Today, it remains rare, with 1 in 50,227 girls bearing the name in 2025. Geographically, Svea is most popular in Minnesota, consistent with its Scandinavian heritage. The name's revival aligns with a broader trend toward traditional Nordic names like Astrid and Ingrid. Its meaning, 'Swede' or 'Swedish woman,' ties it directly to national identity, making it a distinctive choice for families with Swedish roots.
Svea is derived from the Old Norse word svear, meaning 'Swedes,' the tribe that gave Sweden its name. It gained popularity in the 19th century as a patriotic name, often used in compound names like Svea-Maria. The name was especially common in Sweden during the early 1900s, reflecting national romanticism.
Where Svea is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Svea Noona
Sibling names for Svea
Names that share Svea's style, for a brother or sister.
