Surname Schemehl - Meaning and Origin
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Schemehl: What does the surname Schemehl mean?
The last name Schemehl is thought to be of German origin, and is derived from the word “scheme.” It is thought to have been derived as a surname or nickname for someone who was often scheming, or who could pull complex plans together quickly. This could also have been used to describe someone who had a great ability to outwit their opponents.
The German term “schemeln” – which is derived from the word "scheme" – can be translated to mean someone who is clever, calculating, and ambitious. This could refer to someone who is determined to reach their goals, and to be successful in whatever undertaking they are attempting.
In many cases, the surname Schemehl is thought to have been used as a nickname for someone who was an extraordinary or shrewd businessperson. It may also have been used as a description for a crafty or deceitful person.
A variant spelling of Schemehl is Shemke. This can be traced back as far as the 1300's in Silesia, Germany. It is believed that members of the family migrated to the United States in the late 1700's, and to Canada in the early 1800’s.
Regardless of the original meaning, the last name Schemehl is now used in many countries in Europe, and in North America. It is thought to be a modern example of a surname derived from a nickname, and is often associated with its original meaning of “scheme”, or “cunning”.
Order DNA origin analysisSchemehl: Where does the name Schemehl come from?
The surname Schemehl is a surname that has a German and Dutch origin. It is known to be common today in Germany, as well as in countries that have significant numbers of people of German or Dutch heritage, such as the United States, Canada, and Brazil. It is also found in a few other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.
The name can be found in Germany primarily around Hamburg and Saxony, although there are some occurrences of the name in other regions of the country as well. It is often spelled with an umlaut over the "e" (Šchemehl) rather than the more commonly used English spelling (Schemehl).
In the United States, the last name Schemehl is most commonly found among those of German descent as well as Dutch descent. The highest concentrations of the name are in the states of Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In these states, the name is typically found among those who have German ancestry in one or more of these states. In Canada, the name is also commonly found among those of German descent, primarily in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.
The surname Schemehl is not particularly common outside of the countries of Germany, the Netherlands, and German- or Dutch-descended populations. People bearing the name usually trace their roots back to one of these two countries, or to populations in which such ancestry is a significant part.
Variations of the surname Schemehl
The surname Schemehl is thought to have derived from the German language word "Scheme" which translates to meaning a division in fallow land (cultivated land that is primarily for hay-making). The spelling and its variants can vary greatly due to how different language and cultures have altered the spelling of the name in order to adapt it for their own language needs. Generally this name has been found to be spelt in one of the following ways:
- Schemehl
- Schmehl
- Schmeihl
- Schmeel
- Schmähl
- Schmaheil
- Scheihl
- Schamahl
There are several surnames that have a similarity to that of Schemehl and can be seen as alternate forms, these are:
- Schmel
- Schmehle
- Schmal
- Schmeler
- Schmaal
- Schmall
- Schmeichel
- Schlameil
The name is most commonly found in the areas of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, where it was first established. It is thought to have been created in the early 1500s although not much more is known about its exact origins. According to records, the name has been steadily increasing over the past few centuries which is likely due to the increase of this family's population in the rural areas of Germany.
The ever-changing spelling of the name is reflective of its long history, with phonetically similar variants being developed in different languages as it is passed down throughout the generations. Variants can also be seen due to persons having a more modern outlook on spellings of names, with Schemehl, Schmehle and Schmel being some of the more common variations now used. Therefore, while the origin of the name may be the same, the spelling has evolved with various cultures and languages over the years.
Famous people with the name Schemehl
1. Nick Schneider: German soccer player 2.Sandy Schneider- American actress 3.Raymond Schemehl: artist 4.Benedikt Schemhehl: German football coach 5.Gregory Schemehl: American musician 6.Scott Schemehl: American business executive 7.John Schemehl: American attorney 8.Adam Schemehl: American singer/songwriter 9.Ann Schemehl: American travel writer 10.Milton Schemehl: American filmmaker