Save Type Surname (from occupation) Usage German Pronounced Pron. /ʃvaɪ̯n/, [ʃʋaɪ̯n], [ʃʋäe̯n], [ʃʋɑe̯n] [key·simplify] Meaning & History Metonymic occupational name for a swineherd from Middle High German swīn "hog".