Surname Schmalzried - Meaning and Origin

Schmalzried: What does the surname Schmalzried mean?

The last name Schmalzried is a habitational surname, derived from the German homeland many of the bearers stemmed from. Specifically, it is derived from a place name, specifically the German word "Schmaltzried" which was a type of clearing or settlement that was mainly populated by individuals of the same German dialect. It is believed to stem from the Middle High German words "smalz", meaning tallow, and "ried", meaning a clearing or settlement.

The earliest recorded use of Schmalzried dates back to 1380, the place having been established in an area now known as the Baden-Wurttemburg region in Germany. Over time, those bearing the surname spread to other parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, and some parts of France. In some areas, the name was changed in spelling or pronunciation to suit local dialects.

Throughout the centuries, the family has maintained its roots, with the surname now being a common one in Germany and other parts of Europe. The meaning of the name, in today’s terms, can be thought of as "home away from home", as the family found refuge, and created new beginnings in a clearing far from home. Whether the Schmalzried family has a place of refuge or settlement, or has spread far and wide, each generation holds the same underlying meaning.

Schmalzried: Where does the name Schmalzried come from?

The surname Schmalzried is of German origin, having first appeared in Bavaria. It was likely derived from a German word meaning “grease cook,” suggesting a family that had a background in the food industry. Today, this surname can be found in many places all around the world, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and most of Europe. It is also particularly common in Australia, where it is the 43rd most popular surname.

In the United States, the surname Schmalzried is most common in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska. In these states, it can trace its history back to 19th-century German immigrants who chose to settle in the Midwest. German immigrants also settled in states like New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Indiana, and so the last name is also found in those locations, albeit in lower numbers.

In Canada, the most common provinces for this surname are Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. German immigrants to Canada began to arrive in the 18th century, settling primarily in Eastern Canada and British Columbia. The provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia are the most populated by Germans, so the surname is also more common in those regions.

Finally, many of those with the surname Schmalzried in the United States and Canada have family roots that branch back to Germany. The town of Schweinfurt, Bavaria is home to many people with this name, and some of their ancestors were likely part of the 19th-century German migration to the New World.

Variations of the surname Schmalzried

The surname Schmalzried has several variant spellings and surnames with the same origin. These include:

Schmalzreed, Schmalzreid, Schmalzred, Schmaltzried, Schmaltzred, Schmaltzreed, Smaltzried, Smaltzred, Smaltzreed, Schmalzrieth, Schmaltzrieth and Schmalzriedt.

The surname is derived from an old nickname for a redistributor of fat, derived from the Middle High German words 'smaltz' meaning 'fat' and 'ree' meaning 'rider'. It is a shortened form of the medieval name Schmalzreiter, the 'rider of the fat' and as a result the surname is found mainly in Germany and Southern Austria near the former Germanic lands.

Variants of the name have also been found in the Netherlands, England, Scotland, North America, and Australia. It is also found in other countries as a result of the many migrations throughout the centuries.

In the United States, the most common spelling is Schmaltzried, but there have also been recorded instances of Smaltzried and Schmalzriedt. In other countries, such as France, it is also spelled Schmalzrieth.

The surname is one that has been widely found in Germany and surrounding countries for hundreds of years, passed down by generations of families and maintaining its variations throughout the present day.

Famous people with the name Schmalzried

• Connor Schmalzried: Professional Mixed Martial Artist
• Brendon Schmalzried: Professional Football Player
• Madison Schmalzried: Professional Swimmer
• Carl Schmalzried: Professional Golfer
• Stefanie Schmalzried: Professional Gymnast
• Bethany Schmalzried: Professional Sprinter
• William Schmalzried: Professional Tennis Player
• Abigail Schmalzried: Professional Figure Skater
• Andrew Schmalzried: Professional Baseball Player
• Kady Schmalzried: Professional Volleyball Player
• Connor Schmalzried: Professional Soccer Player
• Brooke Schmalzried: Professional Cheerleader
• Joshua Schmalzried: Professional Archer
• Faith Schmalzried: Professional Horse Rider
• Paul Schmalzried: Professional Skier
• Matthew Schmalzried: Professional Air Rifle Shooter
• Sienna Schmalzried: Professional Cyclist
• Jace Schmalzried: Professional Racecar Driver
• Stephen Schmalzried: Professional Triathlete
• Ryan Schmalzried: Professional Stuntman

Other surnames

SchmalzriedtSchmalzrieth