Swansea is believed to take its name from the Old Norse “Sveinsey,” meaning “Sveinn’s island.” The name points to a Viking presence along the Welsh coast during the early medieval period, when Scandinavian traders and raiders were active near the mouth of the River Tawe. This design draws on that link with a bold Viking character illustration, created in a lively cartoon style with strong outlines and simple shapes that give it a sense of movement. The word “Sveinsey” sits prominently within the layout, referencing the older Norse place name and tying the design back to the city’s history. Swansea is known in Welsh as Abertawe, meaning “the mouth of the River Tawe,” while the Norse-based name has remained in common use. A playful graphic built around a small piece of Swansea’s Viking-era past.
