Nykvist

Nykvist is a Swedish surname. It is most commonly found in Sweden and among Swedish communities abroad. The name is likely derived from two Swedish elements: ny meaning new and kvist meaning twig or branch, a combination common in nature-based surnames formed in Sweden.

The most notable bearer is Sven Nykvist (1929–2004), a renowned Swedish cinematographer whose long collaboration with director Ingmar Bergman helped shape modern European cinema. Nykvist shot many Bergman films, including Through a Glass Darkly (1961), Winter Light (1963), Persona (1966), Cries and Whispers (1972), and Scenes from a Marriage (1973), as well as Fanny and Alexander (1982). He won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for Fanny and Alexander and received multiple nominations during his career. His work is celebrated for naturalistic lighting, precise composition, and a focus on actors’ performances.

Variants of the surname occur in different spellings, including Nyqvist and Nyquist, reflecting regional or transliteration differences. The name Nykvist, while most strongly associated with Sven Nykvist in film history, may be found among other individuals in Swedish-speaking communities.