Surname Schmedling - Meaning and Origin

Schmedling: What does the surname Schmedling mean?

The last name Schmedling is a German surname originating from an occupational surname, derived from the German word, “Schmied” meaning “smith”. This surname was used to indicate individuals who worked in a smithy. Those who held the surname Schmedling were likely to have been blacksmiths or farriers who were highly skilled metalworkers that specialized in shaping horses’ shoes as well as crafting tools and weapons made out of metal. This type of work required immense skill and strength, and was highly sought after in medieval times.

The earliest known record of the surname Schmedling dates to 1567, in The Common Sense of the Lower Rhineland, a book listing freelancers who set up tents and sold goods by the roadside. Other records of the surname can be traced to Paderborn in Allgemeines Verzeichnis der preussischen Standesamter (General List of Prussian Civil Status Officers), a census of Germans that was taken in the late 19th century.

Today, the surname Schmedling is still found all over Germany and it is likely that descendants of the original blacksmiths still use the name. Additionally, the surname has spread to other countries. Immigration records of the late 19th and early 20th centuries show individuals with the surname Schmedling who moved to the United States, Canada, and other countries. These individuals brought with them their hardworking history as skilled metalworkers, and today the last name Schmedling is likely to be found all over the world.

Schmedling: Where does the name Schmedling come from?

The last name Schmedling is most likely German in origin, though it may have roots in other northern European countries. Today, it is primarily found in Germany and other Central European countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. In Germany, Schmedling is primarily concentrated in the states of Bavaria and Saxony.

Schmedling is not a particularly common name; according to data collected in 2015, only around 1,500 people with the last name live in Germany. It is slightly less common in Austria, with only about 450 people bearing the name living there. In Switzerland, only about 75 people currently go by Schmedling.

The last name is growing in popularity in the United States, especially in the Midwest. Census data collected in 2018 shows that over 2,000 people living in the United States share the last name Schmedling. In addition, this surname can be found in a handful of other countries outside of Europe, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Although Schmedling is not a particularly common name, it is growing in popularity in certain areas of the world. It remains mostly localized to northern European countries, yet is spreading to other countries like the United States.

Variations of the surname Schmedling

The surname Schmedling is of German and Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is derived from the Old German words ‘schmelde’ or ‘schmelding’, meaning ‘foolish or thoughtless one’. Variants of this surname include Schmelding, Schmedel, Schmedelin, Schmedling, Schmedtling, Smelt, Smeltz, Shmelding and Shmedling.

Spellings of the surname Schmedling can slightly differ, depending on the country of origin. In Germany, the name is spelled Schmedeling, while in Poland it is spelled Szmedling, and in the United States, sometimes Smeltz or Smelts.

Surnames with similar origins to Schmedling also exist. Some of these are Schmale, Schmall, Schmallenbach, Schmalz, Schmelz, Schmiele, Schmil, Schmilz, Schmalenberg, Schmalstieg and Schmidthaler.

Through the centuries, the surname has also been adopted by numerous other nations. In England, variants of the name include Smells, Smellsford, Smalls and Smallshead. In Denmark, variants such as Schmal, Schmeldt, and Schmeltz are also found. In Russia, spellings such as Zmeldinko, Zmeldini and Zmeldenka are found, while in Lithuania, it is rendered as Zmeltinkas or Zmeltinas.

Overall, Schmedling is a widespread surname, with numerous variations and spellings around the world. Its origins dating back to the Middle Ages, this surname continues to be venerated in many cultures and countries around the globe.

Famous people with the name Schmedling

• Emma Schmedling: She is a Swedish actress who is best known for her roles in films such as The Truth About Men, Love Is All You Need, and I Am and You.
• Steve Schmedling: He is a former MLB pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Houston Astros.
• Don Schmedling: He is a college professor known for his work in mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
• Greg Schmedling: He is a former American football defensive back and six-time NFL Pro Bowler.
• Chris Schmedling: He is a former professional soccer player and FIFA referee who officiated matches in the UEFA Champions League.
• Carsten Schmedling: He is a Swiss cross-country skier who competed in the 1982 Winter Olympics.
• Pete Schmedling: He is a former professional American football quarterback, most notably for the Chicago Bears.
• Janet Schmedling: She is a former American professional basketball player who played for the Women's National Basketball Association.
• Phyllis Schmedling: She is an accomplished American interior designer, architect, and professor.
• Erich Schmedling: He is a German actor, voice-over artist, and stand-up comedian.

Other surnames

SchmedlenSchmedlin