The word "Swede" originates from the Middle Dutch "Swede," the plural form referring to the people of Sweden. This Dutch term itself derives from Old Norse "Svíþjóð," the ancient name for Sweden, literally meaning "people of the Swedes." The term entered English in the 17th century to denote a native of Sweden. The application of the word to the root vegetable in British English (late 18th century) arose because the plant was first widely cultivated in Sweden before being introduced to Britain.

This is a loanword from Dutch, where "Swede" is a demonym. It is not productively formed from smaller English morphemes.