Svend is a Danish masculine given name of Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse word 'Sveinn'. The name has a long history and has been popular among Danes for generations. It is often associated with the Middle Ages in Denmark, as it was particularly common during that period. Svend is typically pronounced /svɛn/ in English, rhyming with "pen". Although it may seem unusual to English speakers, it is a well-known and beloved name in Denmark.
The name Svend was quite popular among parents in the mid-20th century, with a notable spike in its usage around the 1930s and again in the late 1960s. The name's popularity has since decreased, as indicated by the absence of births recorded after 1968.