Surname Kohlschmied - Meaning and Origin
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Kohlschmied: What does the surname Kohlschmied mean?
The surname Kohlschmied is a German occupational surname, derived from the Middle High German word “Kol,” meaning “charcoal,” and the word “Schmied,” meaning “smith.” Together, the two words form the occupational term Kohlschmied, which referred to a “coal smith” or a “charcoal smith.” The term originated in the Middle Ages when coal smiths produced charcoal for various purposes, including fuel for blacksmiths' forging processes.
In contemporary times, the Kohlschmied surname is a common surname in Germany, particularly in the west of the country. In the United States, the surname is much less common, particularly in the nation’s larger cities. The Kohlschmied surname is most common in Pennsylvania, particularly in the eastern part of the state, as well as the states of Ohio and Michigan. It is believed that most of the individuals in the United States who bear the Kohlschmied surname are descended from German immigrants who arrived in the United States in the latter part of the 19th century.
The Kohlschmied surname is an excellent example of a surname that has taken on a slightly different meaning since its inception in the Middle Ages. While the surname originally referred to a specific trade and profession, it now serves as a identifier of common heritage for people of German descent.
Order DNA origin analysisKohlschmied: Where does the name Kohlschmied come from?
The last name Kohlschmied is most commonly found in German-speaking countries. One of the earliest records of the name is from the 15th-century village of Gross-Umstadt in the Wetterau region of western Germany. This is one of the few areas that have been occupied by a named Kohlschmied family for hundreds of years.
The name Kohlschmied is still quite common in Germany today. Research suggests that there are more than 15,000 people bearing the family name living in Germany. In 2016, it was found to be one of the Top 100 surnames in Germany, indicating its widespread use in the country.
In addition to Germany, Kohlschmied has also spread to other countries across Europe as a result of emigration. The concept of a universal surname did not take hold until the late 19th century, but records from that period in Austria, Switzerland, and Poland show Kohlschmied present in those countries as well.
Outside of Europe, the name is also found in North and South America. Immigration to the Americas is believed to have started in the early 19th century, and it is likely that the family members who moved first were from these countries. The name is also present in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, likely as a result of more recent emigration.
Variations of the surname Kohlschmied
The surname Kohlschmied has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, including Kolschmied, Collsmied, Kollsmied, and Kolsmied.
Kohlschmied is a German name often used as a surname, derived from the words “Kohl”, meaning “cabbage”, and “Schmied”, meaning “smith”. This name is most common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and was used to signify an individual who was a cabbage farmer or a cabbage merchant.
Kolschmied is an archaic spelling of the same surname and is found mainly in Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Norway.
Collsmied is a Dutch variant of the name and is found in The Netherlands and Belgium. It is derived from the Dutch words “Kool” (cabbage) and “Smid” (smith).
Kollsmied is a Danish version of the name and is found mainly in Denmark, Finland, and Estonia. It is derived from the Danish words “Kol” (cabbage) and “Smed” (smith).
Kolsmied is an alternate spelling of the surname and is used in the same Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. It is derived from the Swedish words “Kål” (cabbage) and “Smide” (smith).
Kohlschmied is a relatively uncommon surname. However, many variations of the name exist, providing a unique and interesting name choice for those seeking to honor their German, Dutch, and Scandinavian lineage.
Famous people with the name Kohlschmied
- Reinhard Kohlschmied: He is a painter of abstract expressionistic images known for exploring light, sculptural effects, surface structure and color.
- Wolfgang Kohlschmied: He was a German diplomat who served as the German Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2005 to 2011.
- Rudolf Kohlschmied: He is an Austrian lightweight rower who won gold at the 1973 World Rowing Championships.
- Wolfgang Kohlschmied-J.E.: He was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who is best remembered for writing the first ever comprehensive textbook on the subject of epilepsy in 1855.
- Juliane Kohlschmied: She is an Austrian actress and model who has appeared in movies such as It’s Not Over and Welcome Home.
- Therese Kohlschmied: She is a German tennis player who was ranked within the top 100 players of the 1990s.
- Otto Kohlschmied: He was a German airman and trainer during World War II.
- Barbara Kohlschmied: She is an Austrian art director and set decorator who has worked on many films, including Mission: Impossible II.
- Matthias Kohlschmied: He is a German theologian who is renowned for his work on the philosophy of religion.
- Michael Kohlschmied: He is an Austrian sculptor whose works deform portraits to create psychological impact.