Surname Schmedecke - Meaning and Origin
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Schmedecke: What does the surname Schmedecke mean?
The last name Schmedecke is an old German surname that has been around since the late Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated in Westphalia, where it originally referred to a “border guard” or “medic” in the area. The literal translation of the name is “sword maker”, which implies that the name was held by a person who either crafted or supplied swords or other weapons to the local area.
In modern times, the surname Schmedecke is primarily used in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Bavaria. It has also spread to other European countries, as well as to the United States. It is a relatively uncommon name, with the latest figures from the United States indicating that fewer than 500 people carry the name.
The surname Schmedecke acts as a powerful link to the history and culture of Germany, as well as to the medieval Westphalian region. The name also suggests a connection to medieval warfare and weapons makers, providing a glimpse into the turbulent lives of those living during the Middle Ages.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmedecke: Where does the name Schmedecke come from?
The last name Schmedecke is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries, including Austria and Switzerland. It is an occupational name, indicating that its bearers may have been involved in the metalworking trade. Other Schmedecke last names can be found in the United States, with some instances in other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Hungary.
The name Schmedecke appears in records from as early as the 13th century. It is believed to come from the old German term “schmeißen,” meaning “to hit” or “favorite smith” suggesting that it was once associated with metalworking. Some variants of the name such as Schmedeck, Smideck, and Schmederkerk developed over time.
Today, the Schmedecke last name is not as common as it once was, but it still exists in the countries of its origin. In Germany, the name is mainly found in the western and northern states, such as Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Hesse. It is also prevalent in Austria’s Salzburg region.
The name Schmedecke can also be found in the United States and other countries, although it is significantly less common than in Germany and its neighboring countries. American records of the name date back to the mid 19th century, when it is thought to have been brought over from Germany.
Overall, the Schmedecke surname is most prevalent in German-speaking countries, though it can be found in other countries around the world. Yet, although its numbers are not as high as they once were, the Schmedecke last name still exists today.
Variations of the surname Schmedecke
The surname Schmedecke is a German surname with multiple variations, spellings and derivatives. These variations include Schmedek, Schmedeken, Schmedheck, Schmedhecken, Smetak, Schmiddek, Shmidek, Shmidekken, Schmittak, Shmcke, Shmedick, Schmettak, Schmettack, Schmeding, Smething, Schmiddig, Smiddig, Schniedecke and Schmideke.
Schmedecke is derived from a combination of two German words, ‘Schmede’ and ’ecke’, which respectively mean ‘corner’ or ‘edge’ and ‘house’ or ‘village’. It is thought to come from a descriptive name for someone who lives in a house on the edge of a village or corner of a settlement.
The surname may have a toponymic origin, meaning that it was derived from the name of a village, town or geographical feature, likely of German origin. It may also have originated from a location name or toponymic nickname for someone who belonged to a place of similar sounding name.
The earliest known ancestors of the Schmedecke family can be traced back to the late 1600s in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany. Today, the surname is found throughout Germany, as well as in various other countries where German-speaking immigrants settled, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Famous people with the name Schmedecke
- Benedikt Schmedecke: A German conductor, he has performed with the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra and other prestigious institutions.
- Detlef Schmedecke: A German piano professor and performer, he studied at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold and was made an honorary professor in 2002.
- Gotthilf Schmedecke: A German oboist and conductor, he succeeded Paul Hindemith as the conductor of the Frankfurt Opera.
- Holger Schmedecke: A German musicologist who specialized in the music of the 17th and 18th centuries, he studied and taught at the University of Cologne.
- Jörg Schmedecke: A German tenor singer, he has held important roles in many opera performances throughout his career.
- Matthias Schmedecke: A German bass guitar player and composer, he has performed extensively in jazz and rock bands as well as recording albums as a solo artist.
- Ulrike Schmedecke: A German violinist and professor, she has recorded and performed in numerous orchestras and chamber music ensembles around the world.