Surname Schimmelfennig - Meaning and Origin

Schimmelfennig: What does the surname Schimmelfennig mean?

Schimmelfennig is a German surname that is derived from the Old German language. The name comes from combines two words: Schimmel, meaning “gray horse” and Fennig, meaning “penny.” It is thought that the name originated as a nickname, either because of a person’s occupation or physical characteristics. For example, someone with a gray horse may have been called Schimmelfennig.

Schimmelfennig is primarily found in Germany and is most commonly found in the state of Hesse, but is also present in other German-speaking countries, such as Austria and Switzerland. It is also found in the United States, where it was brought over by German immigrants in the 19th century.

In general, Schimmelfennig is a very old and distinguished surname. It conveys a sense of history and tradition that goes back centuries. It’s possible that the name could have been passed down from generation to generation, giving those who bear it a strong connection to their ancestors and heritage. It also carries with it a sense of pride, reminding those of their heritage while also giving them a sense of self-worth and identity.

Schimmelfennig: Where does the name Schimmelfennig come from?

Today, the last name Schimmelfennig is most common in Germany, with a concentration in the western parts. However, the surname is also a common one in many other countries around the world, particularly in areas with a significant German population due to emigration. In the United States, there are many people with the Schimmelfennig surname. Communities with the name in the US are found in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Washington State, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

In Canada, Schimmelfennig is a popular surname in both English and French-speaking Canada. However, it tends to be more concentrated in the western Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.

In Australia, there are numerous people of German descent who have the Schimmelfennig surname. These communities are found mainly in New South Wales and Victoria, with a limited population in other parts of Australia as well.

Finally, there are many Schimmelfennig families in countries that border Germany, such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, and Austria. There is also a small population of Schimmelfennigs in South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico as well.

Overall, the Schimmelfennig name can be found in many countries, with Germany having the largest number of individuals with the surname.

Variations of the surname Schimmelfennig

The surname Schimmelfennig is of German origin and is thought to have originated from the Middle High German phrase ‘schimel vennich’ which means ‘marshy meadow’. This could indicate that the original bearers of this surname came from an area of marsh or swamp. The variations of this surname include Schimelfennig, Schimelpfenning, Schimmelfenning, Schonfeldpfenning, Schonfeltpfenning, Schonfelfenning, Schonfeldfenning, and Schonpfenning.

Other spellings which are derived from the German word include Schimmeldfenning, Schimelpfing, Schonfeldfenig, Schonfeltfenig, Schonfeldpenig, Schonfeltpenig, Schonfeldfenning, Schonfeltfenning, Schonfeldpfenning, Schonfeltpfenning, Schonpfenning, Schonpenning, Schönfeldpenning, Schöfeltpenning, Schonfenning, and Schönfenning.

Mutations of this surname, which have gained enough recognition to be recorded in the genealogical records, include Schimelfenig, Schimelfening, Schimmelfenig, Schimmelfening, Schimpfenig, Schimpfening, Schonfenig, Schonfenning, and Schönfenig.

Surnames of the same origin which are derived from the Middle High German phrase or related German words include Schimelfinig, Schimelfewing, Schimmelfinig, Schimmelfewing, Schimpenning, Schomfeldpenning, Schomfeltpenning, Shimpfenning, Schonfenig, Schonfenning, and Schomfenning.

Overall, variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Schimmelfennig are numerous. All of these variations can lead to an interesting exploration and discovery of the history and origins of this name.

Famous people with the name Schimmelfennig

• Tim Schimmelfennig: German professional footballer
• Joseph Schimmelfennig: Officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War
• Alfred Alexander Schimmelfennig: German botanist
• Julius Schimmelfennig: German conservative politician
• August Schimmelfennig: German theologian and pastor
• Bernard Schimmelfennig: German entomologist
• Nicolaus Schimmelfennig: German theologian
• Wolfgang Schimmelfennig: German violinist and music historian
• Neal Schimmelfennig: American security advisor
• Henry Schimmelfennig: American lawyer and politician
• Jürgen Schimmelfennig: German statistician
• Walter Schimmelfennig: German criminologist.

Other surnames

Schimmelfenning