Surname Schmalbeck - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schmalbeck: What does the surname Schmalbeck mean?
The last name Schmalbeck is of German origin and derives from the Old High German name “schmalbeck”, which means “narrow stream” or “small brook”. The name likely began as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a narrow stream or small brook. It could also indicate a person from any of various places in Germany such as the cities of Schmalbeck, Hess, Hesse, and Pforzheim.
Throughout the centuries, the Schmalbecks have been an important part of German history and culture. They can be traced back to the 12th and 13th century when they were a well-established and respected family in Germany. Over the next few centuries, the Schmalbeck family was involved in various noble endeavors, such as law, medicine, politics, and even military service.
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, many members of the Schmalbeck family immigrated to the United States in search of a better life and more opportunities. Today, there are multiple branches of the Schmalbeck family in the U.S. and around the world.
The Schmalbecks have a rich and storied history and continue to produce many successful individuals. They have long been recognized as a resilient, hardworking, and loyal family. In the centuries ahead, the Schmalbeck family will remain a vibrant part of German and worldwide history.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmalbeck: Where does the name Schmalbeck come from?
The surname Schmalbeck is most commonly found in Austria, Germany, and surrounding regions. It is also found in parts of the United States due to German immigrants.
The surname Schmalbeck originated as a habitational name from a place called Schmalbeck in the former county of Paderborn in the Westphalia region of Germany. The root of the name is Old German – "smal" meaning "narrow" and "bek" meaning "river".
In Austria, the name Schmalbeck is relatively widespread throughout Austria, particularly in the northern areas. In Germany, it is found mainly in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate.
In the United States, the name is primarily found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota. The earliest known emigrants with this surname were two brothers, Michael and Andrew Schmalbeck who settled in York County, PA in 1750.
Today, those who bear this surname are unlikely to be related to each other, despite the surname’s origination in a single place. However, if the localities of birth of those with the surname Schmalbeck are studied, it is likely that a connection between them could be established.
Variations of the surname Schmalbeck
The Schmalbeck surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. Generally, the surname is spelled "Schmalbeck" and is of German origin.
The original spelling of the surname is Schmalback, and it is derived from the Old German word “schmal,” which means “narrow.” As such, the surname can be translated to “narrow creek” or “narrow run.”
Variants and alternate spellings include Schmahlbeck, Shmalbeck, Schmalbak, Schmalbek, Schmalbec, Schmalbech, Schmalbick, Schmalbekk, Schmalbik, Schmalback, and Schmalbaek.
Other surnames of the same origin include Shmahlbark, Schmalburg, Schmalwaechter, Schmahlbacher, Schmalbauer, Schmalbeltz, Schmallecker, Schmalenbach, Schmallenberg, Schmalenberger, and Schmallicher.
Though the spelling of the Schmalbeck surname may have changed over the years, the nucleus of the surname has remained constant, as it has kept its original meaning, which is derived from an Old German root word.
Famous people with the name Schmalbeck
- Mel Schmalbeck: Realtor, Purdue basketball player 1971-1977
- Michael Schmalbeck: Organ builder
- Ernst Schmalbeck: Saxophone player and composer
- Heidi Schmalbeck: Actress
- Frank Schmalbeck: Production designer
- Peter Schmalbeck: Cinematographer
- Updegraff Schmalbeck: Psychiatrist
- Hans Schmalbeck: German politician
- Michael Schmalbeck: Professor of tax law and public finance
- Frieda Schmalbeck: Austrian contemporary artist