Swayne-Swain Spelling Derivatives:
Most Swaynes and Swains realize that their names are spelled similarly and assume that they are related.  Interestingly enough, this is not (necessarily) true.  The names Swayne (and Swain) can both be derived from the Scandinavian Vikings or they can both be derived from the Irish Mac Suibne and elsewhere as well.  Knowing the precise point of origin for your line of Swaynes (or Swains) can be difficult and (perhaps) impossible to ascertain.  I have read that Swains in England changed their spelling to Swayne both before and after migrating to America (and possibly vice versa).  For example, according to the Swain Country website, Richard Swain changed the spelling of his name from Swayne to Swain upon arrival in America.  I raise this point because in many instances the name Swayne (spelled SWAYNE) and the name Swain (spelled SWAIN) have been used interchangeably.  Richard Swain is just one example of this spelling change.  To read more about Richard Swain descendents visit Swain Country at the following site:  http://friends.peoria.lib.il.us/community/swaincountry.html. 

The following chart outlines some of the Swayne surname origins and derivatives.  These derivative spellings were obtained from Family Surname History documents.  Irish Swaynes were obtained from a Sweeny Family History Document while Scandinavian Swaynes were obtained from a Swan Family History document obtained in England.  Consider the chart below for the surname Swayne (or Swain):

Notice that the name Swayne or Swain can be derived from Ireland, Scandinavia, or simply from the word swain which means young lad.  The Irish Sweeneys are on record as early as the 600s and the Scandinavian Viking Svens are on record during the 800s as they migrated to both England and Scotland.  This may suggest no connection at all between the surnames of Swayne from Ireland and the Scandinavian Swaynes despite the common spelling.  Furthermore, the Swayne surnames derived from the word swain would be even more difficult to pinpoint an origin.  Also, Swaynes from Ireland could have migrated to England and vice versa.  Finally, making a connection with any coat of arms based (solely) on a common surname derivative would be inappropriate.