Surname Schlemelch - Meaning and Origin

Schlemelch: What does the surname Schlemelch mean?

The last name Schlemelch is a German name, originated from the Germanic word ‘schlemmen’, which means ‘to gorge’ or ‘to eat to excess’. The name was likely adopted as a surname by those who were fond of eating a lot or perhaps were the descendants of someone who established a business, such as an inn or public house, where food and drink was served.

Some experts have also suggested that Schlemelch may in fact be linked to the Judaist faith, and its Yiddish origin. This is based on the assumption that when Jews were living in Germany once upon a time, they adopted the Germanic surname Schlemelch to disguise their Jewish identity in a period when it was not safe to be openly Jewish.

The principal namesake of the Schlemelch family is likely Andreas Schlemelch, who was born in Germany in 1777. He was a blacksmith by trade, although some records suggest he may have been of some nobility – perhaps this is why he adopted his adopted his surname as a way of recognising the food heritage from which he was descended.

The Schlemelch family is an old and respected name, and has a proud history of helping people through difficult times. Today, the Schlemelch clan can count many members of prominence, such as John Schlemelch, a renowned German chemist, and Mary Schlemelch, a popular celebrity chef.

The Schlemelch name is one steeped in tradition and history – from its Germanic origins to its more recent links to Yiddish tradition and beyond, the name Schlemelch is sure to live on for generations to come.

Schlemelch: Where does the name Schlemelch come from?

The last name Schlemelch is a German surname which is still most commonly found in German-speaking countries today. Although rare, it has been known to appear outside of Germany in countries such as the United States, Canada, and even Israel.

In Germany, the Schlemelch surname has been found mainly around the people of Rhineland-Palatinate and Northern Hesse with records dating back to the late-1700s. It is a relatively unusual surname in Germany with only a few hundred people having the name.

The surname has also been found to appear in other countries. In the United States it has been identified in Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. In Canada, it has been recorded in the provinces of Alberta and Ontario. The surname has even been identified in Israel, the home of many immigrants and descendants of German Jewish people, mainly along the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem regions.

In general, the last name Schlemelch is most commonly found in German-speaking countries today. It has, however, been known to appear in other countries as well, although in fewer numbers due to immigration patterns.

Variations of the surname Schlemelch

The surname Schlemelch is an uncommon German name derived from the Middle High German word “slemelch” meaning “drunkard” or “boozer.” The surname is present throughout Germany, but many German descendants who trace their family to the name can also be found in North America, primarily in Pennsylvania, and in other regions of the US, such as, Ohio, Texas, New Jersey and New York.

The variants for Schlemelch include Schlemmelch, Schmelch, Schmeelch, Schlemel, Schmell, Schlem, Schmel, Schmelich, Schmellich, Schmellick and Schmellig. Occasionally, variants like Schmeler and Schmill may also be seen.

Surnames of similar origin are also derived from the Middle High German words “þlemel” and “slemal.” These include Siems “drunkard” and Ziehel “inclined to drink.”

Additionally, Schlemelch may be recorded under alternative surnames in some documents. These are usually phonetic variants or shortenings, such as Schimel, Schiml, Schimelich, Schimmel, Schimmelich, Schlomel, Schloml, Schlomelich, Schlommel, Schlommelich, as well as, Slemel or Slomel.

In some cases, immigrants from Europe, where Schlemelch is a still a common name, may have changed their surname for a variety of reasons, such as to simplify the spelling. This can produce surnames that are distant from Schlemelch, such as Shimmel, Shimel, Schimel, Shingle, Similak and Shimlich.

All in all, the surname Schlemelch and its various spellings and surnames of the same origin are often overlooked in genealogical records. It is important to take note of all these variants when researching a family’s heritage and ensure that all available resources are used in order to get the fullest picture of their history.

Famous people with the name Schlemelch

• Günter Schlemelch: German entomologist and botanist who served as a professor and director at the University of Münster.
• Günther Schlemelch: German physicist and mathematician known for his studies of astrophysics.
• Wilhelm Schlemelch: 19th century German jurist and law professor who served as the Dean of the University of Heidelberg's Faculty of Law.
• Franz Schlemelch: Austrian composer and organist who worked extensively with polyphonic and monophonic music.
• Max Schlemelch: German lawyer and businessman who held a number of high-ranking positions in the military and government in Prussia.
• Gustav Schlemelch: Austrian composer and conductor who created several large-scale operas, symphoniacs, and cantatas.
• Marianne Schlemelch: Norwegian international environmental lawyer who advocates for environmental rights in various countries.
• Joachim Schlemelch: Austrian naturalist who explored the emperor's biosphere in the late 17th century.
• Charles Schlemelch: French sculptor and goldsmith active in the 18th century.
• Ludwig Schlemelch: German painter and engraver who produced numerous portrait miniatures.

Other surnames

SchlemeierSchlemeyer