Swinney

Swinney is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "swine," which means "pig." It is a relatively common surname in the United Kingdom and the United States. The name has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history. One notable figure with the surname Swinney is Sir John Swinney, a Scottish politician who served as the First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014. He is a member of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) since 1999. Swinney is known for his advocacy of Scottish independence and has been a vocal critic of the UK government's policies. The surname Swinney is also associated with the Swinney family, a prominent Scottish clan that has a long history in the region. The clan's coat of arms features a black pig, reflecting the name's etymological origins. In modern times, the surname Swinney is still widely used and is recognized as a significant part of the cultural heritage of Scotland and the United Kingdom.