Svea

Swedish

Etymology 1

From old genitive of svear (“Swedes”).

Adjective

Svea (not comparable)

1. (obsolete, only used attributively) Swedes' (referring to the North Germanic tribe, often in contrast with the Geats)

   Svea rike ― Swedes' kingdom (in modern usage a solemn or poetic synonym of Sverige (“Sweden”))

2. (in the names of some institutions and the like) of Svealand (region in south central Sweden)

   Svea hovrätt ― Svea (Svealand) Court of Appeal (in Stockholm)

3. (archaizing, solemn or poetic, only used attributively) of Sweden, Swedish

   Svea folk ― Swedes

Alternative forms

• svea (rare)

Etymology 2

From old singular feminine form of svear (“Swedes”). Popularized as a name by Esaias Tegnér's poem Svea, published in 1817.

Proper noun

Svea c (genitive Sveas)

1. a personification of Sweden as a shieldmaiden, usually referred to as "Moder Svea" (Mother Svea), used since the 17th century
2. a female given name used since the 19th century

References

• svear in Svenska Akademiens ordbok (SAOB)
• Institutet för språk och folkminnen
• Luddes språk och historia

Anagrams

• Evas, avse, vase