Surname Schmalzel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schmalzel: What does the surname Schmalzel mean?
The last name Schmalzel is derived from a word in Middle High German, “smalz”, which means “grease” or “fat”. It is thought that this surname was originally taken by those who produced or dealt in animal fat or lard, such as a butcher or a tallow chandler. Alternatively, due to the similar sounds, it could also have been adopted by people who owned a large property or who were wealthy, as the Middle High German word “Smalz” could also mean “riches”.
Given the scarcity of such surnames in modern times, the last name Schmalzel likely originates from Germany or Austria, parts of Europe with long histories and rich cultural heritages. The earliest records of the name date back to Ancient Germany during the 11th century, and records of several bearers of the name can be found in Bavarian parish records as early as the 1500s.
Today, the last name Schmalzel still remains in Germany and Austria, as well as in parts of Europe and the United States. The bearers of the name can be part of a diverse and global community of individuals, often coming together to share their unique stories, experiences, and heritages related to the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmalzel: Where does the name Schmalzel come from?
The last name Schmalzel is not particularly common today, but that does not mean it has become extinct. This surname can still be found in some parts of Europe, particularly Germany. It is also known to be common in the United States, Canada, and some other English speaking countries due to immigration.
In terms of geographic specificity, there are more Schmalzels to be found in the Mythodea region of Germany. This includes parts of the states of Brandenburg, Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Saxony-Anhalt, although it is possible to find Schmalzels across the entire country.
In the US, the majority of Schmalzels can be found in the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan; with many more being sprinkled across the other 30 states.
The Schmalzel family trace back to the 13th century in Germany and it is believed to have been derived from the old German word “schmallven” meaning small wolverine. In the modern day, the Schmalzel surname boasts a population of just under 3,000 people. Although Schmalzel is not particularly popular today, it still remains a family name, whose descendants proudly carry on the legacy of their ancestors.
Variations of the surname Schmalzel
The surname Schmalzel is an occupational surname, indicating an individual who produces schmalz, a type of German rendered fat. Variants of this name include Schmalz, Schmalzel, Schmelzel, and Schmelzle. It also has an Americanized form, Schmalze.
The spelling of the name changed throughout history, and as a result, there are many alternate spellings and surnames for this name. Variants of the name include Schmalzell, Schoemel, Smalller, Schmeely, Schmeyl, and Schmeel. When the name made its way to Europe, it may have been changed to Schmalzau, Schmalse, or Schmalze.
In Austria, the surname is sometimes spelled Schmalc, while in Russia it is spelled Schmelz. In Hungary, the name is spelled Szmaliczky or Szmaliczky. In Poland, the similarities in spelling are so close that the name is often shortened to "Smel".
The surname can also be found in Denmark, where it is spelled Schmeissel, and in Sweden, where it is spelled Schmalel. It appears in France as Chomel, and can be found in England as Shemsel and Small.
This same surname also appears in Germany with the given name, and can be spelled Schmelzel, Schmalzle, Schmalzel, and Schmalz. These variations appear in writing, but more commonly in speech.
In the United States, the name may have been altered to Shmalz, Shalz, Smelz, Shalzly, Schomel, and Smalk, or even Imelz, Omlz, and Umlz. In any language, it is important to remember that this name has strong origins and many variations.
Famous people with the name Schmalzel
- Harry Schmalzel: Known for serving as the mayor of New York City from 1875-77, he was the second German-born American to serve in the position.
- Paulette Schmalzel: Wife of actor and voice-over artist Frank Welker, she regularly appears with him in Hollywood events.
- Nick Schmalzel: Co-host of the “Explorers Club” radio show based in San Francisco, featuring thrilling stories and adventures from around the world
- Scott Schmalzel: A professional cyclist, competing as part of the US National Team and having competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Carla Schmalzel: A professional actress, with roles in television series such as the “X-Files” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”
- Kevin Schmalzel: A researcher at the Harvard Kennedy School working on issues related to public governance and public policy
- Kenneth Schmalzel: A professor of computational fluid dynamics and wind engineering at Stanford University
- Bruce Schmalzel: A professional golfer, having competed in the old Ben Hogan Tour and having won the British Open Amateur Championship in 1972
- Karen Schmalzel: A designated Master Gardener, working to promote the use of sustainable gardening and landscaping practices
- Paul Schmalzel: A cartoonist and creator of the online comic strip “Tim and Margie’s Adventures”