Swedish Dukes

The title duke appeared in Sweden for the first time in the 13th century as an effect of the German influence on the Swedish language. The German word "herzog" (duke) became the Swedish word "hertig" and replaced the old Scandinavian title "jarl" (which have the same origin as the English word "earl"). The first Swedish duke was Magnus Ladulås who got the same position as his father Birger had had as "Jarl", i.e. the second highest office in Sweden next to the king. But the tradition to only have one duke/jarl was broken 1284 when a second ducal title was created (duke of Finland). The ducal titles were also  accompanied with non-hereditary duchies, usually Södermanland respectively Finland Proper. However, the dukes Erik and Valdemar succeeded during their conflict against king Birger to get their duchies greatly expanded and made hereditary. But it was a short-lived success because they were captured and killed by the king 1317. Valdemar's widow Ingeborg styled herself  "duchess of Öland", wich was the province she got 1318 as apanage and ruled until her death 1356. Apart from Bengt Algotsson who 1353-56 was duke of Finland and Halland would there be no more appointments of dukes in Sweden for the remainder of the Middle age. There were however also Danish dukes and counts over the now Swedish but then Danish provinces of Halland and Blekinge in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The ducal title was restored when king Gustav Vasa granted hereditary duchies to his sons in 16th century. These were in practise states within the state and posed a serious threat to Sweden's central power. Also Johan III and Karl IX granted duchies, but because of the dukes rebellions, insanity and difficulties to have sons were the duchies one by one returned to the crown, the last one 1622. A new duchy was created 1651 when Johann Kasimir (father to Karl X Gustav) was granted Stegeborg's län as compensation for an unpaid dowry. This duchy was returned to the crown 1689 when his son Adolf Johan died.

The ducal title made a new comeback after Gustav III's coup d'etat 1772. But this time only as a title and not with a duchy. Since then has it been a tradition to give a ducal title to every newborn prince. From 1980 are the princesses also given a ducal title..

Below are all Swedish dukes listed in order of the duchy's creation. The Latin numerals are the ones the dukes had as king of Sweden. The names in the right column are the father of the duke if he was a royalty. Ducal titles that were used only by one person are listed on the bottom of this page.

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