Sven is a Scandinavian first name which is also used in the Low Countries and German-speaking countries. The name itself is Old Norse for "young man" or "young warrior". The original spelling in Old Norse was sveinn. The name can also be a Scandinavian variant of Stephen / Steven. Over the centuries, many northern European rulers have carried the name including Sweyn I of Denmark. An old legend relates the pagan king Blot-Sven ordered the execution of the Anglo-Saxon monk Saint Eskil.
