Surname Schmalzl - Meaning and Origin
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Schmalzl: What does the surname Schmalzl mean?
The last name Schmalzl is of German origin. It originates from the Old German words "schmal," which translates to "thin," and "luc," which means "licorice." Together, the phrase translates to "thin licorice," a reference to a type of confectionery that is popular in Germany and other parts of Europe. The surname was adopted by families who traditionally produced or sold this particular type of treat.
The name may also be derived from a type of German dance that is performed after someone has completed an apprenticeship or some other type of trade. The dance often involves spinning around in circles, with the men linking arms in a circular pattern and the women dancing around them counter-clockwise. As an occupational surname, Schmalzl would have been associated with the trade of dancing or teaching this particular type of dance.
The name is not extremely common, but there are a few notable individuals who share it, including Hermann Schmalzl, a German actor who was born in 1926, and Clara Schmalzl, a former world-class figure skater. Today, persons with the surname Schmalzl may be found living throughout Germany, as well as in other areas of the world where German emigrants settled.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmalzl: Where does the name Schmalzl come from?
The last name Schmalzl is primarily found throughout Germany as well as Austria, with some families having relocated to other parts of Europe and America. Within Germany, the name is most commonly found in the German states of Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Baden-Württemberg. In Austria, Schmalzl is most prominent in Upper Austria and Lower Austria.
In terms of prominent individuals with the name, many people with the last name Schmalzl are in the arts and sciences. An example is the German physicist, Daniel Schmalzl, who is at the forefront of quantum field theory research. The German painter Stefan Schmalzl is well-known for his works which evoke mythology, nature symbolism, and religion.
Outside of Germany and Austria, there are fewer occurrences of the name Schmalzl. Examples of this include families in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
For those interested in connecting with other members of the Schmalzl family, the Schmalzl family registry is a great resource. This registry can be found at schmalzlfamily.org and provides members of the Schmalzl family with the opportunity to learn more about their family history, and to reach out to other family members.
Variations of the surname Schmalzl
The surname Schmalzl is a German surname, likely originating in southern Bavaria and Austria. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Schmalzl include Schmaelzl, Schmaelzle, Schmaelzlin, Schmale, Schmall, and Schmeller.
The surnames Schmalzl and Schmale likely derive from the Middle High German words ‘smal’ or ‘small’ respectively, meaning ‘small.’ The names may have been given to individuals who were perceived to be of small stature or small size.
The variants Schmaelzl, Schmaelzlin, Schmaelzle, and Schmeller are all derived from the Middle High German word ‘smalz’, meaning ‘fat’. These surnames may have been given to individuals perceived to have a larger stature or who may have been of heavier weight.
The surname Schmall likely derives from the Middle High German words ‘smal’ or ‘smel’, meaning ‘flat’ or ‘smooth.’ This surname may have been given to individuals perceived to have a flattened face or even a less than full head of hair.
Collectively, the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Schmalzl can be traced back to Bavaria and Austria in the Middle Ages likely indicating a shared origin.
Famous people with the name Schmalzl
- Josef Schmalzl (German Scientist)
- Elfriede Schmalzl (Austrian politician)
- Brigitte Schmalzl (German entrepreneur/CEO)
- Yvonne Schmalzl (German figurative painter)
- Stefan Schmalzl (German biologist and ecologist)
- Christian Schmalzl (Austrian composer)
- Walter Schmalzl (Austrian entrepreneur)
- Johann Schmalzl (German-Austrian writer)
- Michael Schmalzl (Austrian composer)
- Kurt Schmalzl (Austrian cinematographer and cameraman)
- Agnes Schmalzl (Austrian cross country skier)
- Peter Schmalzl (German Nürnberg politician)
- Karl Schmalzl (Austrian philosopher)
- Paul Schmalzl (Austrian cardinal)
- Karl Schmalzl (Austrian musicologist)
- Erwin Schmalzl (Austrian ski mountaineer)
- Elisabeth Schmalzl (Austrian nurse)
- Bernhard Schmalzl (Austrian tramp)
- Trudl Schmalzl (Austrian actor and singer)
- Johann Schmalzl (German beekeeper and entomologist)