Surname Scheit - Meaning and Origin
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Scheit: What does the surname Scheit mean?
The last name Scheit is a German surname, which is derived from the Middle High German word ‘Scheit’ or ‘Schied’ meaning ‘spade’ or ‘cutting tool’. It is assumed that this surname was originally borne by someone who made his living as a spade smith or offered a service involving spades. In some cases, this last name may have originated as an occupational name for a maker or seller of scythes as well.
At times, the name could also be derived from residences near a physical feature such as a prominent tree stump or a literal barricade, as the Middle High German term ‘Schied’ could also refer to a barrier or defense while the modern Germanic term ‘Schade’ generally refers to ‘one’s misfortune’.
Throughout German history, the Scheit family was prominent in the region of Lower Saxony and also in almost all of Germany’s states and regions, with some early examples of the surname being found in historical documents dating back to the Middle Ages.
Today, the Scheit surname remains common throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and other Germanic nations, and it is a popular surname among many other countries around the world. It is also widely used in the United States, where it is most commonly spelled as ‘Scheit’ or ‘Sheit’.
Order DNA origin analysisScheit: Where does the name Scheit come from?
The last name Scheit is common in areas of Central and Eastern Europe, most notably in Austria, Germany, and Poland. It is also found in other countries in the region including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. The name is also common in Hispanic countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.
The Scheit surname originated from the Middle High German family name 'schêt,' which originally meant 'wooden shield.' It is believed to have been primarily borne by military personnel or those who served in the defense of a town or a castle. The name was likely also adopted by people from different areas, as it implies strength and protection.
The Scheit name is rare in the United States, though it does appear in the 1910 U.S. Census. It is also listed as a variant spelling of the similarly sounding Shea name, which is found among Irish and English immigrants.
The Scheit family name is still very much alive and well in its native Austria, where it is currently the 159th most common surname.
Variations of the surname Scheit
Scheit is an Austrian and German surname deriving from the Middle High German word 'schīte' meaning 'guardian'. It usually appears as Scheit, Sheit or Scheite but also appears as Scheid, Scheide, Scheidegger, Schied, Schiedegger, Scheiter, Shite, Shiter, Shied and Scheithauer.
The first known bearer of the name Scheit was recorded in 1131 in Tyrol. From the eighteenth century onwards, the main concentration of the name can be found in the eastern region of the Austrian Empire. It was also common for people with the surname Scheit to emigrate to the United States in the nineteenth century, particularly to the southern states of Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky.
Following the Second World War, many people with the surname Scheit relocated to West Germany or to other parts of the world. Since the turn of the century, Scheit and its variants have spread further afield, including to Canada, Australia, Brazil and South Africa.
In some cases Scheit is also used as a given name in the United States and Germany and has also been adopted as a middle name in other countries. Today, the surname Scheit is most commonly found in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the United States.
Famous people with the name Scheit
- Anita Scheit: Austrian actress and presenter who is known for her appearances on various talk shows and comedy sketches.
- Andrea Schiet: Austrian stage actress known for her work in Miniversumsklasse, Erbsenzählere, and Kurzstück.
- Danny Scheit: Austrian stand-up comedian who has gained fame in Austria for his jokes and humorous stories.
- Eva Scheit: Austrian singer and actress who is known for her performances in productions of both musicals and comedies.
- Florian Scheit: Austrian film director and screenwriter who is most recognized for his work on the films X-Ray, Insanity, and Within the Woods.
- Robert Scheit: Austrian artist and architect who is known for his lively and vibrant designs of buildings and sculptures.
- Waldemar Scheit: Austrian sculptor and painter who is known for his abstract art pieces and sculptures.
- Konrad Scheit: Austrian conductor and composer who is most recognized for his operas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Johann Scheit: Austrian multi-instrumentalist and composer who is known for his classical compositions on various instruments.
- Manfred Scheit: Austrian classically trained guitarist who has produced music and performed live on various shows.