Meaning & History
Swedish noble and former royal family. Possibly from vase meaning "bundle" or "withy". The name is believed to be a reference to the family's coat of arms. The most notable member of the family was Gustav Eriksson Vasa (1496-1560), later known as Gustav I of Sweden (in modern times known exclusively as Gustav Vasa). He was elected king in 1523 and is considered to be the founder of modern Sweden. The House of Vasa became extinct in the late 17th century.