Surname Schmal - Meaning and Origin
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Schmal: What does the surname Schmal mean?
The surname Schmal is a German surname. It is derived from the Middle High German word "smal" meaning small, or slender. The literal translation of Schmal is "slim".
Schmal is a very old family name—it is found in records from the 14th century in the Netherlands. However, it is believed to have a much older origin. It is likely that the origin of the name was either from a personal nickname or an occupational surname referring to a craftsman who specialized in making small items such as needles or jewelry.
It is believed that the Schmal family may have originally come from an area near the Rhine river. They most likely migrated to the Netherlands from Germany or France in the 16th or 17th centuries. From the Netherlands, the family eventually spread throughout Europe and North America, often anglicizing the name to "Small".
Today, Schmal is a relatively uncommon surname in the United States. It is most heavily concentrated in South Dakota, with a few families in Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan. People with the surname Schmal still continue the traditions and pride of their familial heritage—connecting with each other to share their stories and to stay connected to their German roots.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmal: Where does the name Schmal come from?
The last name Schmal is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is not as frequently found in other areas of Europe or other parts of the world. The name is derived from the old German word for “narrow” and is generally believed to refer to someone who had a narrow physique or face.
In Germany, the name is most heavily populated in the states of Hesse, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Lower Saxony. In 2000, nearly 34,000 people living in Germany had the last name Schmal. In Austria, the name is most commonly found in the states of Upper Austria and Lower Austria; in 2000, there were nearly 3,000 people with the name.
In Switzerland, the surname Schmal was one of the 100 most common surnames in the nation in 2010. It is primarily found in the Swiss cantons of Aargau, Solothurn, and Thurgau. In Switzerland, the name likely goes back to families who moved there from Germany and other parts of Europe in the centuries prior.
It is likely that the name is found to a lesser extent in other areas of Europe, primarily among people living within a German cultural sphere. It is not heavily found in other parts of the world, with the exception of large cities or regions that contain a large population originating from the aforementioned areas of Europe.
Variations of the surname Schmal
Schmal is a German surname that can come in many different forms, spellings and variations. The most common variant is Schmahl. Other variations include Schmale, Schmalle, Schmehl, Schmahle, Schmahling, Schmael, Schmell, Schmaal, and Schmele.
Some further variations of the surname Schmal occur when people replace the initial 'S' with a 'Z.' For example, Zchmal or Zschmahl. This surname is also commonly written as Schmalz.
Schmal is an occupational surname. It is thought to have originated from the German word 'Schmied,' which means 'smith.' This suggests that the original bearer of the surname could have been a blacksmith or a metalworker.
Throughout Europe, the surname Schmal has undergone many changes in spelling due to local and dialectal influences. In some areas, it may be spelled Shmall, Schmill, Shmell or even Shmal.
The surname Schmal is distributed widely across Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary. In North America, Schmal can be found among the descendants of German immigrants who settled in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Famous people with the name Schmal
- Jim Schmal: former NFL defensive tackle who played in the league from 1967 to 1976.
- Joe Schmal: former MLB relief pitcher who played in the league from 1978 to 1980.
- Sarah Schmal: award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author.
- Peter Schmal: German composer and conductor who has composed more than 800 pieces for television and stage productions.
- Pat Schmal: award-winning teacher, devoted animal rights activist, and advocate for senior citizens.
- John Schmal: professional bird photographer, specializing in the birds of Florida and the Caribbean.
- Linda Schmal: award-winning textile artist, painter, and quilter.
- Bill Schmal: former professional golfer who competed in 8 US Open Championships.
- Mark Schmal: baseball player who played in the minor leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Joy Schmal: vocalist and saxophonist who has appeared on numerous albums and toured both nationally and internationally.