Oxenstierna

Oxenstierna (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈʊksɛnˌɧæːɳa]) is an ancient Swedish noble family, originally from Småland in southern Sweden, and can be traced up to the middle of the 14th century. The Oxenstierna family held vast estates in Södermanland and Uppland during the late middle ages and renaissance. In the 15th century, the family at times held the position of Regent of Sweden during the turbulent civil wars of the Kalmar Union. The family began to adopt its armorial designation of Oxenstierna as a personal name towards the end of the 16th century. In the case of earlier members of the family, the name has been applied by later historians.