Surname Schmahl - Meaning and Origin
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Schmahl: What does the surname Schmahl mean?
The last name Schmahl originates from Germany and has many different spellings, including Schmahl, Schmähl, Schmal, Schmöl, and Schmalh. It is thought to derive from the German word “schmal” which translates roughly to "small" or "narrow". The name may have originally referred to someone who was thin and short.
The variations of the name were kept even as the family spread across Europe, with relatives ending up in Holland, France, the United States, and Canada. There is very little evidence as to why such a widespread name would have originated, so its exact origin remains a mystery.
However, many people with the name consider themselves to be part of the same family. Regardless of their spelling, or which country they originated from, the surname is often associated with pride and strength. They share a fondness for their heritage and the name they bear.
People with the name also often have similar qualities, such as a warm heart, a strong sense of justice, and an appreciation for their heritage. They are often active in community and social activities and are proud of their roots. This shared name and values often creates a powerful bond between Schmahls across the world.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmahl: Where does the name Schmahl come from?
Schmahl is a German surname derived from the word "schmal" which means "small". It is most common in Germany, particularly in the northern and southern regions. In Germany, people with the surname Schmahl are spread across all 16 of the country's states. In addition to Germany, Schmahl is also common in Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States.
In the United States, the surname Schmahl is primarily found in the upper Midwest states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, as well as in California. According to the latest available U.S. Census data, as of 2020 the surname Schmahl was found in 831 households and had a population of 2,127 individuals living in the United States.
The Schmahl surname appears to have made its way to the United States during the 19th century, with large numbers of German immigrants arriving during this time period. Many of these immigrants brought their surnames with them and the Schmahl name is known to have been present in U.S. records since the late 1800s.
Since the prevalence of the Schmahl surname is largely rooted in German history, it is still common in countries with strong Germanic roots worldwide. It is also possible to find families with the surname Schmahl in many other parts of Europe and the United States.
Variations of the surname Schmahl
The surname Schmahl is of German origin and it has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these include Schmal, Schamal, Schmale, Schmael, Schmaeler, Schmahl, Schmahler, Schmahlmann, Schmahlmayer, Schmahmann, Schmalz, Schmalze, Schmalzer, Schmehl, Schmel, Schmell, and Schmele.
The spelling Schmahl is commonly found in parts of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is believed to have originated from the old German name Smal or Smael, meaning “small” or “tiny.” As the name was adopted in different countries, a variety of different spellings and surnames were created based on the original spelling.
Schmal, Schamal, and Schmale are three of the most common variants found in German speaking countries. Schmael and Schmaeler are variants found primarily in southeastern Europe. Schmahl, Schmahler, Schmahlmann, Schmahlmayer, and Schmahmann are variants that originate from Bavaria in Germany.
Schmalz, Schmalze, Schmalzer, Schmehl, Schmel, Schmell, and Schmele are variants found in various parts of Germany. All of these variants are believed to have derived from the original spelling Schmahl.
The surname Schmahl is still very popular today and can be found in many different parts of the world. While the spelling and variants may have changed over time, they all share one common origin – the old German name Smal or Smael.
Famous people with the name Schmahl
- Mark Schmahl: Mark Schmahl is a German actor and director known for his roles in several highly-acclaimed television series and films.
- Claire Schmahl: Claire Schmahl is a German model who has graced the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar and Marie Claire.
- Kristina Schmahl: Kristina Schmahl is a German hurdler and gold medalist of the 2008 European Athletics Championships.
- Johannes Schmahl: Johannes Schmahl is a Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich chemistry professor and distinguished researcher.
- Anders Schmahl: Anders Schmahl is a Swedish national trainer in curling.
- Iris Schmahl: Iris Schmahl is a German television actress known for her work on several popular television shows as a guest star.
- Julius Schmahl: Julius Schmahl was a German neuropsychiatrist, best known for his development of the locus of reality test.
- Felix Schmahl: Felix Schmahl is a German chess grandmaster, the first ever from Gelsenkirchen.
- Leonhard Schmahl: Leonhard Schmahl was a German painter who was known for his detailed nature scenes.
- Alex Schmahl: Alex Schmahl is a German musician and producer who is the lead singer of the musical duo “The Great Faults.”
- Duncan Schmahl: Duncan Schmahl is a Canadian actor best known for his role in the hit soap opera “Harold’s House.”