Surname Schmaljohann - Meaning and Origin
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Schmaljohann: What does the surname Schmaljohann mean?
The last name Schmaljohann, or variations thereof, typically originates from German-speaking countries. Mononyms of this name are often found in German records dating back to the late 19th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old High German term 'schmal', which translates to 'narrow', and 'johann', which translates to 'God is gracious’.
It is thought that this name likely originated as an occupational title, given to one who lived and worked close to one of the many shallow streams which would progressively meander through dense forests. This may have been referring to a tree feller, or a lumber mill worker; however, it’s also possible that this name referred to one’s profession as a guard of the narrow and winding pathways and roads of the time.
In modern-day Germany, the Schmaljohann surname is still prevalent. It is also a popular surname in Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Therefore, it is safe to assume that the descendants of this name may very well extend from mainland Europe, north to southern Scandinavia and beyond.
The immigrants carrying this name likely arrived in North America during the late 19th and early-mid 20th centuries, many of whom would have sought refuge from growing conflicts in Europe. Many may have gone on to settle along the eastern coastlines of the United States and Canada, while others may have journeyed on to Western Europe. Their descendants now number in the thousands and continue to spread throughout the world.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmaljohann: Where does the name Schmaljohann come from?
Today, the surname Schmaljohann is still common in Germany, with over 1,479 people carrying this name. It is primarily located in the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, as well as the city-state of Berlin and the surrounding areas. It is also scattered throughout the country, with a few individuals living in other states and even in neighbouring countries such as Denmark, Belarus and Poland.
As well, the surname can be found in the United States, with the majority of individuals carrying the name in Wisconsin. Currently, there are more than 1,000 people of German descent living in southern Wisconsin, some of which trace their roots to a specific area of Germany - Pomerania. In the United States, it is likely that Schmaljohann's first emigrated to Wisconsin from Pomerania between 1840 and 1890 due to religious and economic reasons.
The surname Schmaljohann is also commonly found in Brazil. To this day, there are still individuals in Brazil with the same name. The first Schmaljohann family to emigrate to Brazil likely did so in the mid-19th century or even earlier, when it was common for German families to emigrate to Brazil in search of a better life.
Overall, the surname Schmaljohann is still a common name today. It is concentrated in Germany, with smaller numbers living in the United States and Brazil. These individuals and their descendants still bear the name with pride, and it will no doubt continue to be passed on throughout generations.
Variations of the surname Schmaljohann
The surname Schmaljohann is of German origin and can have several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Schmal, Schmaljohn, Shmaljohn, Schmaljohnn, and Schmaljohns. Other variations of this name include Shmal, Schmale, Shmall, Shmalje, Schmalje, and Shmalje.
Another variant of this surname is Schmalzjohann, which is derived from the German term "schmalz" meaning "fat or grease". This is a common surname in some areas of Germany. It can also be spelled as Schmaltzjohann, Schmaltz, Schmaltzjohn, Schmaltzjohnn, or Schmaltzjohns.
The surname Schmausjohann is another variant of this name and is used mainly in southern Germany and Austria, and can also be spelled Schmaus, Schmausjohn, Schmausjohnn, or Schmausjohns.
The surname Schmeling is also derived from the same surname and is used in some parts of Germany. It is usually spelled as Schmeling, Schmelinger, Schmelingjohn, Schmelingjohnn, or Schmelingjohns.
Finally, one of the most common variants of this surname is Schmalbach, which is derived from the German word "Schmalbach" meaning "narrow stream" and is mainly found in the Rhineland area. It can also be spelled as Schmalbacher, Schmalbachjohn, Schmalbachjohnn, or Schmalbachjohns.
Famous people with the name Schmaljohann
- Norbert Schmaljohann: German football player who was capped 4 times by the German international team and competed in the 1972 Olympic Games.
- Jennifer Schmaljohann: Music Consultant & Social Media Influencer; owner of StudioAH, a music education center.
- Claudia Schmaljohann: German chemist who was one of the first to establish the relationship between structure and physical properties of polymers.
- Julian Schmaljohann: Founding Member of the House of Lords in London, England.
- Falk Schmaljohann: Reknowned German Entrepreneur & Investor.
- Najah Schmaljohann: Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter and Recording Artist.
- John Joseph Schmaljohann: Retired Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy.
- Wilhelmina Schmaljohann: Former First Lady of Namibia.
- Arthur Schmaljohann: German politician and Member of the Bundestag representing the Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschland (CDU).
- Martha Schmaljohann: Award-winning author and editor.