Sven (in Danish and Norwegian, also

Svend Svend is a Danish and Norwegian given name that may refer to: * King Svend * Svend Aagesen (c.1145–?), Danish historian * Svend Asmussen (1916–2017), Danish jazz violinist known as "The Fiddling Viking" * Svend Auken (1943–2009), Danish ...

and also in Norwegian most commonly Svein) is a

Scandinavia Scandinavia; Sámi languages: /. ( ) is a subregion in Northern Europe, with strong historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between its constituent peoples. In English usage, ''Scandinavia'' most commonly refers to Denmark, Norway, and Swed ...

n first name which is also used in the

Low Countries The term Low Countries, also known as the Low Lands ( nl, de Lage Landen, french: les Pays-Bas, lb, déi Niddereg Lännereien) and historically called the Netherlands ( nl, de Nederlanden), Flanders, or Belgica, is a coastal lowland region in N ...

and

German-speaking countries The following is a list of the countries and territories where German is an official language (also known as the Germanosphere). It includes countries that have German as (one of) their nationwide official language(s), as well as dependent ter ...

. The name itself is

Old Norse Old Norse, Old Nordic, or Old Scandinavian, is a stage of development of North Germanic dialects before their final divergence into separate Nordic languages. Old Norse was spoken by inhabitants of Scandinavia and their overseas settlemen ...

for "young man" or "young warrior". The original spelling in Old Norse was ''sveinn''. Over the centuries, many northern European rulers have carried the name including

Sweyn I of Denmark Sweyn Forkbeard ( non, Sveinn Haraldsson tjúguskegg ; da, Svend Tveskæg; 17 April 963 – 3 February 1014) was King of Denmark from 986 to 1014, also at times King of the English and King of Norway. He was the father of King Harald II of D ...

(Sven Gabelbart). An old legend relates the pagan king Blot-Sven ordered the execution of the Anglo-Saxon monk Saint Eskil. In medieval Swedish, "sven" (or "sven av vapen" (sven of arms)) is a term for

squire In the Middle Ages, a squire was the shield- or armour-bearer of a knight. Use of the term evolved over time. Initially, a squire served as a knight's apprentice. Later, a village leader or a lord of the manor might come to be known as a " ...

. The female equivalent,

Svenja Svenja is a feminine given name used in German-speaking countries. Notable people with the first name Svenja are: * Svenja Fölmli (born 2002), Swiss footballer * Svenja Huth Svenja is a feminine given name used in German-speaking German ( ...

, though seemingly Dutch and Scandinavian, is not common anywhere outside of

German-speaking German ( ) is a West Germanic language mainly spoken in Central Europe. It is the most widely spoken and official or co-official language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Italian province of South Tyrol. It is also a ...

countries. Sven can also be spelled with W, Swen, but is pronounced as Sven. The Icelandic version of Sven/Svend is Sveinn (); the Faroese version is Sveinur ().

Entertainment and music

Sven Einar Englund Sven Einar Englund (June 17, 1916 – June 27, 1999) was a Finnish composer. Life Sven Einar Englund was born at Ljugarn in Gotland, Sweden, on June 17, 1916; he died June 27, 1999, in Visby, Sweden. He married twice: in 1941 to Meri Mirjam ...

, Finnish composer * Sven Epiney, Swiss television, radio host and editor * Sven Grünberg, Estonian synthesizer and progressive rock composer and musician * Sven August Körling, Swedish composer *

Sven Lõhmus Sven Lõhmus (born 13 July 1972) is an Estonian pop-composer and lyricist. He is a producer at Moonwalk Studios, a music company featuring Estonian artists. He has worked with leading artists of Estonia, including Vanilla Ninja (of which he ...

, Estonian composer, producer and lyricist *

Sven Maes Sven Maes (), also known as Svenson, is a Belgian DJ and trance music producer. His work, especially in partnership with fellow Belgian Johan Gielen, has produced some of trance music's biggest hits. He has been successful as a solo artist and ...

, Belgian producer *

Sven Martin t.A.T.u. (russian: Тату, ) were a Russian music duo that consisted of Lena Katina and Julia Volkova. The singers were part of children's music group Neposedy before being managed by producer and director Ivan Shapovalov and signing with ...

, German keyboardist and sound-director *

Sven Regener Sven Regener (born 1 January 1961) is a German musician and writer living in Berlin. In 1982 he recorded his first LP with the band ''Zatopek'' and in 1984 he joined ''Neue Liebe''. In 1985 he founded the Berlin band Element of Crime together ...

, German musician and writer *

Sven Sachsalber Sven Sachsalber (8 May 1987 – December 2020) was an Italian artist.https://www.de24.news/en/2020/12/mourning-the-deceased-artist-sven-sachsalber.html Biography Sachsalber was born in Südtirol (Italy) and raised in Laatsch, Malles in Vinschgau ...

, Italian performance artist *

Sven-Bertil Taube Sven-Bertil Gunnar Evert Taube (24 November 1934 – 11 November 2022) was a Swedish singer and actor. Internationally, he was perhaps better known for his acting career. Taube played Henrik Vanger in the film ''The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'' ...

, Swedish singer and actor *

Sven Väth Sven Väth (born 26 October 1964) is a German DJ and electronic music producer. He is a three-time DJ Awards winner, and his career in electronic music spans over 30 years. The single " Electrica Salsa" with OFF launched his career in 1986. Refe ...

, German electronic music DJ/producer *

Sven Wollter Sven Justus Fredrik Wollter (11 January 1934 – 10 November 2020) was a Swedish actor, writer, and political activist. Wollter is one of the most renowned Swedish actors, he was awarded Best Swedish actor twice. In his native country, he becam ...

, Swedish actor *

Svein Berge Svein is a Norwegian masculine given name which may refer to: Rulers * Sweyn Haakonsson (died c. 1016), in Norwegian Svein Håkonsson, an earl and co-ruler of Norway from 1000 to c. 1015 * Svein Knutsson (c. 1016–1035), King of Norway as Sweyn ...

, Norwegian electronic musician, half of the duo Royksopp

Politics

Sven Alkalaj Sven Alkalaj (; born 11 November 1948) is a Bosnian and Herzegovinian diplomat and the current Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations. He also served as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2007 until ...

, Bosnian politician *

Sven Arrestad Sven Eivindsen Aarrestad (8 October 1850 – 19 January 1942) was a writer, politician, and leader in the Norwegian temperance movement during the 19th century. Biography Sven Aarrestad was born at Varhaug in Rogaland county, Norway. He ...

, Norwegian temperance campaigner * Sven Aspling, Swedish politician * Sven Hulterström, Swedish politician * Sven Lindgren, Swedish politician * Sven Otto Littorin, Swedish politician * Sven Mikser, Estonian politician * Sven Ranck, Swedish statesman * Sven Romanus, Swedish civil servant, Minister for Justice * Sven Rydenfelt, Swedish economist and political writer * Sveinn Björnsson, Iceland's first president

Sports

Sven Andrighetto Sven Andrighetto (born 21 March 1993) is a Swiss professional ice hockey winger who is currently playing with the ZSC Lions of the National League (NL). He was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the third-round (86th overall) of the 2013 NH ...

, Swiss ice hockey player (playing in NHL) * Sven Axbom, Swedish footballer * Sven Bartschi, Swiss ice hockey player (playing in NHL Vancouver Canucks) *

Sven Bender Sven Bender (; born 27 April 1989) is a German former professional footballer who played as a central defender and defensive midfielder. He was raised in Brannenburg and started his football career playing for TSV Brannenburg. Sven is the twin br ...

, German footballer (playing in Borussia Dortmund) * Sven Butenschön, German ice hockey player * Sven

Magnus Carlsen Sven Magnus Øen Carlsen (born 30 November 1990) is a Norwegian chess grandmaster who is the reigning five-time World Chess Champion. He is also a three-time World Rapid Chess Champion and five-time World Blitz Chess Champion. Carlsen has he ...

, Norwegian chess Grandmaster * Sven Coster, Dutch sailor *

Sven Davidson Sven Viktor Davidson (13 July 1928 – 28 May 2008) was a Swedish tennis player who became the first Swede to win a Grand Slam title when he won the French Championships in 1957, beating Ashley Cooper and Herbert Flam. Career Davidson also ...

, Swedish tennis player *

Sven-Göran Eriksson Sven-Göran Eriksson (; born 5 February 1948) is a Swedish football manager and former player. After an unassuming playing career as a right-back, Eriksson went on to experience major success in club management between 1977 and 2001, winning 18 ...

, Swedish football (soccer) manager * Sven Fischer, German biathlete * Sven Habermann, German-Canadian football (soccer) player * Sven Hannawald, German ski jumper * Sven Kaldre, Estonian basketball player * Sven Kramer, Dutch speed skater * Sven Loll, East German judoka * Sven Lundgren, Swedish athlete * Sven Meinhardt, German field hockey player * Sven Nylander, Swedish hurdler * Sven Nys, Belgian cyclist *

Sven Ottke Sven Ottke (born 3 June 1967) is a German former professional boxer who competed from 1997 to 2004. He was a unified super-middleweight world champion, having held the IBF title from 1998 to 2004, and the WBA (Unified) title from 2003 to 2004. ...

, German boxer * Sven Riederer, Swiss athlete * Sven Rydell, Swedish footballer * Sven Schultze, German basketball player * Sven Thorgren, Swedish snowboarder * Sven-Ole Thorsen, Danish actor, stuntman and athlete * Sven Vermant, Belgian footballer

Other

* Sven Hassel, Danish-born soldier and writer *

Sven Hedin Sven Anders Hedin, KNO1kl RVO,Wennerholm, Eric (1978) ''Sven Hedin – En biografi'', Bonniers, Stockholm (19 February 1865 – 26 November 1952) was a Swedish geographer, topographer, explorer, photographer, travel writer and illustrat ...

, Swedish explorer and geographer * Sven O. Høiby, father of

Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway (born Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, , on 19 August 1973) is the wife of Crown Prince Haakon. Haakon is the heir apparent to the throne, which means that should he ascend to the throne, she will automatical ...

* Sven Jaschan, German computer programmer * Sven Lidman (clergyman) *

Sven Markelius Sven Gottfrid Markelius (25 October 1889 – 24 February 1972) was a Swedish modernist architect. Markelius played an important role in the post-war urban planning of Stockholm, for example in the creation of the model suburbs of Vällingby (195 ...

, Swedish architect * Sven Nykvist, Swedish cinematographer * Sven Salander (1894–1965), Swedish Army lieutenant general

Fictional characters

* Sven Hjerson, fictional Finnish detective * " Svën Höek", an episode of ''

The Ren & Stimpy Show ''The Ren & Stimpy Show'' (also known as ''Ren & Stimpy'') is an American animated television series created by Canadian animator John Kricfalusi. Originally produced by Spümcø for Nickelodeon, the series aired from August 11, 1991, to Dece ...

'' (Swedish) * Sven Holgersson, fictional character from

Voltron ''Voltron'' is an animated television series franchise that features a team of space explorers who pilot a giant Super Robot known as "Voltron". Produced by Peter Keefe (Executive Producer) and Ted Koplar through his production company World E ...

franchise * Sven the Berserk, a character in the 1989 film '' Erik the Viking'', played by

Tim McInnerny Tim McInnerny ( ; born 18 September 1956) is an English actor. He is known for his many roles on stage and television, including as Lord Percy Percy and Captain Darling in the 1980s British sitcom ''Blackadder''. Early life McInnerny was bor ...

* Sven, the silent scorer sometimes appearing on the BBC radio show ''

I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue ''I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue'' is a BBC radio comedy panel game. Billed as "the antidote to panel games", it consists of two teams of two comedians being given "silly things to do" by a chairman. The show was launched in April 1972 as a paro ...

'' * "Sven from Swiss Cottage" was a character used by Peter Cook when participating in radio phone-ins * Sven – Rogue Knight, one of the many heroes featured in the custom ''

Warcraft III ''Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos'' is a high fantasy real-time strategy computer video game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment released in July 2002. It is the second sequel to '' Warcraft: Orcs & Humans'', after '' Warcraft II: Ti ...

'' custom map, ''

Defense of the Ancients ''Defense of the Ancients'' (''DotA'') is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) mod for the video game '' Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos'' (2002) and its expansion, '' The Frozen Throne''. The objective of the game is for each team to destro ...

'' and its sequel ''

Dota 2 ''Dota 2'' is a 2013 multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game by Valve. The game is a sequel to ''Defense of the Ancients'' (''DotA''), a community-created mod for Blizzard Entertainment's '' Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos.'' ''Dota 2 ...

'' *Sven, a pixie from Álfheim in the '' Witches of East End'' novel series by

Melissa de la Cruz Melissa de la Cruz (born 1971) is a Filipina-American writer known for young adult fiction. Her young-adult series include ''Au Pairs'', the '' Blue Bloods'', and ''The Beauchamp Family''. Early life and education Melissa de la Cruz was born in ...

. * Sven Dufva, a main character in the poem "Sven Dufva" of ''

The Tales of Ensign Stål ''The Tales of Ensign Stål'' ( Swedish original title: , fi, Vänrikki Stoolin tarinat, or year 2007 translation ) is an epic poem written in Swedish by the Finland-Swedish author Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the national poet of Finland. The poem d ...

'', written by J. L. Runeberg *Sven Cal Bayang, a fictional character from '' Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: Stargazer'' * Sven "The Governator", a character in the movie ''

Cars A car or automobile is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of ''cars'' say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people instead of goods. The year 1886 is regarded as ...

'' voiced by

Jess Harnell Jess Harnell (born December 23, 1963) is an American voice actor and singer. His notable roles include Captain Hero in the animated TV series ''Drawn Together'', Wakko Warner in ''Animaniacs'', Ironhide in the first three ''Transformers'' fil ...

* Sven, from the Georgia Nicolson book series, by

Louise Rennison Louise Rennison (11 October 1951 – 29 February 2016) was an English author and comedian who wrote the '' Confessions of Georgia Nicolson'' series for teenage girls. The series records the exploits of a teenage girl, Georgia Nicolson, and her bes ...

* Sven, Kristoff's pet reindeer in the movie ''Frozen'' * Sven, the name of a puffin in ''

Happy Feet Two ''Happy Feet Two'' is a 2011 computer-animated jukebox musical comedy film directed, produced and co-written by George Miller. It is the sequel to the 2006 film '' Happy Feet'', it stars Ava Acres, Elijah Wood, Robin Williams (in his final ani ...

'' * Sven, a Nord character who plays a role in '' The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'' * Sven and Ole, a character in a type of joke told by Scandinavian-Americans * Sven Joergenson, Sven Pilson and Sven Johansson. The three Swedish architects from the series ''

How I Met Your Mother ''How I Met Your Mother'' (often abbreviated as ''HIMYM'') is an American sitcom, created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays for CBS. The series, which aired from September 19, 2005 to March 31, 2014, follows the main character, Ted Mosby, and h ...

Entertainment and music

Politics

Sports

Other

Fictional characters

See also