Sven
Sven is a boy's name of Norse origin.
Meaning
Boy, young man, or youth.
Origin and history
Sven is a classic Scandinavian name derived from the Old Norse name Sveinn, meaning 'boy' or 'young man'. It has long been popular throughout Nordic countries and was borne by several medieval kings of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In the United States, it remains a distinctive choice, recognized for its strong Scandinavian heritage and popular culture appearances.
Popularity in the United States
2,517 babies in the United States have been named Sven since 1880. It ranks #2584 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1644.
States where it is most popular
- CA (59.3 %)
- NY (17.1 %)
- MN (5.3 %)
- WA (4.5 %)
- IL (2.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 67 |
| 1920-1930 | 81 |
| 1930-1940 | 85 |
| 1940-1950 | 63 |
| 1950-1960 | 143 |
| 1960-1970 | 297 |
| 1970-1980 | 293 |
| 1980-1990 | 254 |
| 1990-2000 | 261 |
| 2000-2010 | 272 |
| 2010-2019 | 418 |
| 2020-2029 | 283 |
Famous people named Sven
- Sven Kramer: Speed Skater, Athlete
- Sven Nys: Cyclist, Athlete
Fun facts
- The name was borne by several historic Scandinavian monarchs, including Sweyn Forkbeard, King of Denmark, England, and Norway.
- The name gained widespread recognition among modern children through the character Sven the reindeer in Disney's Frozen franchise.