Surname Schimpff - Meaning and Origin
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Schimpff: What does the surname Schimpff mean?
The last name Schimpff (also spelled Schimph, Schimpf, Schimff, Schimph, Schimphf, or Schimphff) is of German origin. The name likely originated from the Middle High German "schimpfen," meaning "to dispute or quarrel." It may have originally referred to someone with a combative or argumentative nature, or a defender of justice and truth.
The earliest written record of the Schimpff surname dates back to Germany in the 15th century. The name was most prevalent in the Rhineland region of Germany, but can also be found in Austria, Hungary, and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
The Schimpff family are documented to have come to the United States sometime in the mid-1800s. They settled in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The Schimpff family were hardworking farmers who eventually became business owners and entrepreneurs.
Today, you'll still find people with the Schimpff surname living throughout the US – primarily in the Midwest – as well as parts of Europe. The Schimpff name is a unique one, and its original meaning as a “defender of justice and truth” continues to represent the strong sense of family and community values of the Schimpff name today.
Order DNA origin analysisSchimpff: Where does the name Schimpff come from?
The last name Schimpff is an uncommon name today, with very few people bearing the surname in modern times. It appears to be most commonly found in Germany, with roots tracing back to the medieval region of Thuringia, an area located in the geographic center of Germany and known for its agriculture and vibrant culture. In the Middle Ages, the Schimpff surname was borne by influential families of merchants and knights who belonged to various smaller principalities.
In the early modern era, the Schimpff surname spread to other parts of Germany due to the growth of trade and urban development. However, the name was still concentrated in Thuringia. It is still relatively common in this region today, particularly in the cities of Erfurt and Weimar. Beyond Germany, the Schimpff surname has also been recorded in North America, primarily in the United States. Records indicate that some of the first individuals bearing the Schimpff name came to America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The states with the most people with the Schimpff name are New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Variations of the surname Schimpff
The surnames Schimpff, Schimpf, Schimpfe, Schimpfl, Schimpfel, Schimpfer and Schimpfle all have the same origin. They are derived from the Middle High German word "schimpf", which means "disgrace", "mockery", or "disrespect".
The variants of Schimpff include Schimpp, Schimper, Schimpe, Schimp, Schimff, Schimf, Schimfe, Schimfel, Schimfle and Schimfer. The common variations of the name are Schimppf and Schimflf.
The surnames Schimpf, Schimpfel, Schimpfle, Schimpfer and Schimpff are all German, while Schimpp is an Austrian variant. Schimper is a variation of Schimpff from Switzerland, Schimpe is a variation from the Netherlands, and Schimflf can also be found in the United States.
The surnames Schimpff, Schimper, Schimpe, Schimp, Schimff, Schimf, Schimfe, Schimfel, Schimfle and Schimfer all derive from the Middle High German word for "disgrace", and as such, are likely related to a family that has had a history of humiliation or intolerant behavior. It is thought that the name originates from a nickname or appellation that has been passed down over the generations.
Schimpff is most widely found in Germany, but it can also be found in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United States, and elsewhere. The Schimpff surname is shared by many prominent individuals in Europe who have been associated with medicine, law, and politics. These include Johannes Schimpff (1484-1545), a German physician; Anthony Schimpff (1786-1839), an Austrian statesman; and Gottfried Schimpff (1856-1915), a Swiss lawyer.
Famous people with the name Schimpff
- Helmut Schimpff: a German politician and member of the CDU party.
- Stefan Schimpff: a German entrepreneur, investor, and business executive.
- Homer Schimpff: a professional football player who played several positions for the United States national team.
- Gail Schimpff: an American portrait photographer and author of several books on nature and landscape photography.
- Oscar Schimpff: a German actor, composer, and choirmaster.
- Joy Schimpff: an American singer, actress, and model.
- Adrian Schimpff: a German playwright and director.
- Sarah Schimpff: a German opera singer, conductor, and actress.
- Antje Schimpff: a German film and theater actress.
- Brandon Schimpff: an American professional basketball player.