Swanson

/ˈswɑnsən/ noun

Definition

A surname of Scandinavian origin, literally meaning 'son of Swan'. Also associated with the Swanson brand of frozen foods and various notable people bearing this name.

Etymology

From Old Norse svanr meaning 'swan' plus the patronymic suffix -son. Common in Sweden and Norway, where it indicated descent from someone named Swan or who had swan-like characteristics. Immigration brought it to America where it became associated with commercial brands.

Kelly Says

The Swanson TV dinner was invented because the company had 260 tons of leftover Thanksgiving turkey in 1953! They borrowed the idea from airline meals, and the aluminum tray design revolutionized how families ate dinner, essentially creating the concept of 'convenience food.'

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