The name Svibnik (and related names such as Svibno) are derived from the Slovene common noun sviba 'dogwood', referring to the local vegetation.[4] The settlement was known as Swibnik in German in the past.[2]
History
During the Second World War, on 26 July 1942 Italian forces based in Črnomelj burned eight houses and 21 farm buildings in Svibnik. In 1943 and 1944 the Partisans operated an elementary school in the settlement.[5]
^ ab"Uebersicht der in Folge a. h. Entschließung vom 26. Juli 1849 genehmigten provisorischen Gerichtseintheilung des Kronlandes Krain". Intelligenzblatt zur Laibacher Zeitung. No. 141. November 24, 1849. p. 12.