Svendsen is a Norwegian and Danish surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Arnljot Strømme Svendsen (b. 1921), Norwegian economist
Asger Svendsen (contemporary), Danish musician and music professor
Christian Svendsen (1890–1959), Danish Olympic gymnast
Conrad Svendsen (1862–1943), Norwegian priest and teacher for the deaf
Conrad Bonnevie-Svendsen (1898–1983), Norwegian government minister and priest
Conrad Vogt-Svendsen (1914–1973), Norwegian priest
Earl "Bud" Svendsen (1915–1996), American professional football player
Elga Olga Svendsen (1906–1992 ), Danish film actress
Emil Hegle Svendsen (b. 1985), Norwegian biathlete
Eyvind Johan-Svendsen (1896–1946), Danish stage and film actor
Flemming Kofod-Svendsen (b. 1944), Danish minister in the Lutheran Church of Denmark
George Svendsen (1913–1995), American professional football and basketball player
Hartvig Svendsen (1902–1971), Norwegian politician
Johan Svendsen (1840–1911), Norwegian composer, conductor and violinist
Kenneth Svendsen (b. 1954), Norwegian politician
Kjell Arild Svendsen (b. 1953), Norwegian politician
Linda Svendsen (b. 1954), Canadian screenwriter and author of Norwegian heritage
Lars Svendsen (b. 1970), Norwegian philosopher
Nicklas Svendsen (b. 1986), Danish football player
Ole Svendsen (b. 1952), Danish boxer
Olga Svendsen (1883-1942), Danish stage and film actress
Rupert Svendsen-Cook (b. 1990), British race-car driver of Norwegian heritage
Sander Svendsen (b. 1997), Norwegian footballer
Sigvald Svendsen (1895–1956), Norwegian politician
Svend Rasmussen Svendsen (1864–1945), Norwegian American impressionist artist
Therese Svendsen (b. 1989), Swedish swimmer
Torgeir Svendsen (1910–1981), Norwegian politician