Surname Scherwinsky - Meaning and Origin
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Scherwinsky: What does the surname Scherwinsky mean?
The last name Scherwinsky is of German-origin and is derived from the Old Germanic word “scherwin” meaning sword. It refers to the profession of a swordsmith. The earliest recorded use of the name was in the late 18th century, as recorded in Germany.
The surname was used to indicate the people who belonged to a particular guild. During the Middle Ages, when most professions were organized into guilds, the sword was an important weapon and a number of skilled swordsmiths could be found in many towns and villages.
The designation of the surname was ascribed to those who crafted these weapons. This knowledge was passed down from generation to generation and those engaging in the profession were the progenitors of the Scherwinsky family.
Today, in Germany, one will still find numerous family members who still bear the well-known Berlin-based surname. The Schwermann family from Bavaria is believed to trace their roots back to the Scherwinsky family.
The name is still common in Germany and in territories ruled by Germany in the past. In addition, due to the fact that German immigrants brought this surname over to the United States, the surname is also quite common in the United States as well.
Order DNA origin analysisScherwinsky: Where does the name Scherwinsky come from?
The last name Scherwinsky is found today primarily in the United States, Canada, and Germany.
In the United States, the last name is most commonly found in the Midwest. Wisconsin has the highest number of people with the last name Scherwinsky, followed by Ohio, Minnesota, and Michigan. Canada has a smaller population, with the majority located in Alberta and Ontario. In Germany, the majority of Scherwinsky’s are located in Berlin and the surrounding area.
The most common variation on the name is Sherwinsky, though other spellings, such as Shewinsky, are found. However, the spelling has largely stayed consistent over time.
By far the most common occupation that people with the name Scherwinsky had during the 19th and early 20th century was farming. This often required them to move away from their original place of origin, leading to the dispersal of the name.
Today, the name has spread further and is no longer primarily confined to farming. Many people with the name have gone on to pursue a variety of professional and personal interests.
Overall, the Scherwinsky name is still quite common today. It is found in several countries, especially in the Midwest and Canada, and its meaning remains the same—a hardworking and determined family.
Variations of the surname Scherwinsky
The surname Scherwinsky is of East German-Slavic origin. Variations of the name include Scherwin, Scherwn, Scherwinski, Schervinsky, Schervinski, and Schervinskij.
Other spellings of Scherwinsky include Schierwinsky, Schirwinsky, Shirwinsky, Shierwinsky, Scherevinsky, and Scherivinska. Historically, the name was found in Germany when it was used to describe individuals from East Germany.
The surname Scherwinsky is also linked to other surnames across Europe. Scherer and Scheurer are German and Swiss variants of the name; Schier and Schirr derive from the Low German and Austrian form of Scherwinsky; and Schirov and Schyrov are Russian adaptations of the name.
In the Czech Republic, the name is spelled Šerwinský. Similarly, the Polish version is Szewiński, and the royal Scandinavian version is Sverig. Additionally, the variants Schirvinsky, Schrevinsky, and Schervenska have been found in the Ukrainian language.
It is important to note that many of the spellings of Scherwinsky share a common root in the East German and Slavic languages and that these variations are all linked to one another and to the original Germanic form of the name.
Famous people with the name Scherwinsky
- Joe Scherwinsky: Popular Canadian autogyro enthusiast, best known for his YouTube channel to help spread the joy of gyrocopter flying to others.
- Frank Scherwinsky: Former professional ice hockey goaltender, played for two seasons in the National Hockey League and for other teams in various minor leagues.
- Dave Scherwinsky: Retired professional basketball player, selected as a first round draft pick in the 1988 NBA draft. He played for several NBA teams in an 11-year career.
- Barbara Scherwinsky: American entrepreneur, credited with launching many successful product lines and the launch of a critically acclaimed line of luxury wool bedding.
- Ryan Scherwinsky: Grammy award-winning producer responsible for producing many popular hit songs that have gained massive success and recognition in the music industry.
- Jenny Scherwinsky: Award-winning director, producer and actor, known for her controversial and thought-provoking independent films.
- Jana Scherwinsky: Award-winning visual artist, well known for her large-scale, surrealist oil paintings and installations.
- Mike Scherwinsky: Professional golf player, recorded wins in three Men's Senior Amateur tournaments and one European Senior Tour tournament.
- Stephanie Scherwinsky: Professional figure skater, winner of multiple Canadian championships and placed in the top three at World Championship competitions.
- James Scherwinsky: Professional drummer, former member of Rage Against the Machine and currently records and performs with a number of alternative rock and blues bands.