Surname Schmalz - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering the Rich History & Cultural Implications of My Surname, Schmalz, Through iGENEA DNA Testing
My iGENEA DNA test journey has led me on a fascinating exploration into the history and culture associated with my surname, Schmalz. Digging into my roots, I've learned that my ancestors likely traded in fat or lard — a valuable commodity in the Middle Ages. The Schmalz surname has strong ties to Germany, with a legacy rich in commerce and religious significance from centuries ago. This discovery has enhanced my understanding of myself and the potential traits I've inherited from my predecessors.
T. Schmalz
read moreSchmalz: What does the surname Schmalz mean?
The last name Schmalz is an occupational name of German origin. The literal meaning of the word "schmalz" is fat or lard, although the surname is associated with butchers, who would render fat from animal tissue in a process similar to rendering lard. In pre-industrial Germany, butchers, or schmalzers, usually worked in tandem with charcutiers—specialists in the production of prepared meats such as sausage.
The occupational origin of the last name suggests that those bearing it may have seen themselves as providers or providers for the community, firmly rooted in their workplaces. As animal fats, once rendered, are highly versatile and can be used in a number of ways, the literal meaning of the word can also represent the versatility of the person with this name, which implies adaptability and resourcefulness.
The last name Schmalz is found in records as early as the 16th century, and has spread far beyond its Germanic origins. Those with the last name can be found in many countries across the world today, with particularly high concentrations in the United States, Canada, and England.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmalz: Where does the name Schmalz come from?
The last name Schmalz is predominantly found in Germany. Most people with the last name Schmalz are believed to be descended from German-speaking immigrants to North America in the mid-seventeenth century. As of today, the name is most widespread in the United States, followed by Germany and Canada.
In the United States, the name Schmalz can be found in the states of Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey and New York. In Pennsylvania, it is the 352nd most common surname and 17th most frequent in Lebanon County; it also has a higher concentration in Northampton County.
In Germany, the name Schmalz can be found throughout the country, but is particularly common in western Germany. Specifically, Schmalz is particularly popular in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, with the highest number being mainly concentrated in the city of Düsseldorf.
In Canada, the last name Schmalz is more frequently found in the province of Alberta. The highest concentration of the name is found in the city of Calgary, making it the 425th most common surname.
It should be noted that the last name Schmalz is also found in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Australia, and Hungary.
Overall, the last name Schmalz is widely distributed, particularly in Germany, the United States, and Canada, but is also seen in other countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Schmalz
The surname Schmalz has a number of variant spellings and surnames with the same origin. Common variant spellings of Schmalz include Schmalze, Schmalce, Shmalz, Schmaltz, and Schmaltze. Surnames with the same origin as Schmalz include Slamz, Schmal, Shmaltz, Schmahl, Schmalt, and Schmall.
In some cases, the spelling Schmalz is used in German areas, Shmaltz and Schmal or Shmalt are used in Yiddish areas, and Smalts in Dutch areas. Schmaltze is a very rare spelling of Schmalz, typically found among old German Jews who had emigrated to the United States.
Some families have adopted shortened forms of Schmalz as a surname. Common alternate surnames derived from Schmalz include Malz, Mallz, Smalz, and Smaltz. In some cases, the spelling Schmalz is also used as a given name in Jewish families.
The name Schmalz is believed to be derived from the German word schmalz, which translates to “fat or grease” in English. It is thought that Schmalz was originally used as an occupational surname for a worker involved in the production of fat or grease for various products.
Famous people with the name Schmalz
- Pastor Ryan Schmalz: co-founder of BrightCity Church in Melbourne, Australia.
- Bill Schmalz: former professional American football player.
- Jim Schmalz: broadcaster and voice of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
- Bruno Schmalz: German sculptor and artist.
- Paul Schmalz: German-American inventor of a special type of fermentation process.
- Matt Schmalz: professional ice hockey left winger.
- Bill Schmalz: Canadian former professional ice hockey player.
- Glen Schmalz: former Canadian ice hockey player and referee.
- Clara Schmalz: German sculptor in the Art Nouveau movement.
- Ursula Schmalz: German professor of literature.