Surname Schimala - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schimala: What does the surname Schimala mean?
The last name Schimala is derived from the German words Schim and Alar, which mean "shield" and "armour" respectively. The surname is likely to have originated from an individual who was involved in personal protection and safety – either as a soldier or other combatant, or a craftsman who made shields and armour. A Schimala could also have been a shield bearer for a noble household, or protector of a religious shrine or artifact.
Schim/Schimmel is a common German name which signifies a combative and protective figure, so it is likely that the surname Schimala was born out of a similar connotation. The surname is not uncommon throughout Germanic territories such as Austria and Prussia, and is also found in some areas across the United States of America.
The meaning of the word Schim has also been associated with protection from disease, which could explain why it is widely used by some families with Jewish ancestry. In this sense, the surname Schimala can signify the defense of life from all kinds of danger, whether physical or spiritual.
In general, the last name Schimala is likely to have arisen as a reference to the figure of authority and protection found in some Medieval and Renaissance societies, and is thought to represent one who courageously stands guard against danger in whatever form it takes.
Order DNA origin analysisSchimala: Where does the name Schimala come from?
The last name Schimala is commonly found in southern and eastern European countries. Specifically, it is more common in Balkan countries such as Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria and Montenegro. Examples of cities and towns where the surname Schimala is found include Niš, Serbia; Zagreb, Croatia; Bucharest, Romania; Thessaloniki, Greece; Sofia, Bulgaria; and Montenegro's capital city of Podgorica.
The origin of the last name Schimala is unknown, however it is believed to be derived from the Latin word "schima" or "schimati" which means "measurement" or "estimate". The name may also come from a derivative of the Latin words "diminutio" or "diminutio ala" which refers to a "small measurement".
Schimala is an uncommon surname in countries outside of Europe and the Balkans. Some of the few people in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand who bear this surname come from immigrant families who originated from the aforesaid countries. They are also often spelled with the alternate spelling "Schimalla".
Variations of the surname Schimala
The surname “Schimala” is derived from German and Jewish roots. There are a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Variations of the surname Schimala include Shimalla, Schmila, Schmeila, Schmeila, Schmiella, Shimella, and Schimal. Similarly, other spellings of the surname are Schimalla, Schmeela, Scheimela, Scheimlla, Schimel, and Schimila.
The surname Schimala is also commonly found as a Jewish surname with the surnames Chimels, Shemella, Chimela, and Chimel.
Additionally, both the German and Jewish origin of the surname Schimala have similar variants, including Schlümmer, Schlommer, Schlemele, Stümmer, and Schlomel.
Further, many surnames of the same origin as Schimala are found in countries where German and Jews have immigrated. These include originate in Germany, Russia, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. In the United States, variants are found in Pennsylvania and New York. Finally, Canadian variants are found in Alberta.
In summary, there are a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Schimala, many of which appear in countries where German and Jews have immigrated.
Famous people with the name Schimala
- Franz Schimala: Austrian professional footballer
- Peter Schimala: German sledge hockey Paralympic player
- Melina Schimala: Austrian volleyball player
- Klaas Schimala: Dutch professional footballer
- Lars Schimala: German professional handball player
- Simon Schimala: Swiss professional ice hockey player
- Constantin Schimala: Romanian professional basketball player
- Paul Schimala: Italian professional volleyball player
- Lawrence Schimala: American professional basketball player
- Joanna Schimala: American professional dancer