Surname Schmedtje - Meaning and Origin
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Schmedtje: What does the surname Schmedtje mean?
The last name Schmedtje is of Germanic origin, derived from the term "schmecken", meaning "to taste or savor". Schmedtje is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally created by adding the suffix "-je" onto the personal name "Schmedt". It originated in the region of Lower Saxony, northern Germany, where the Schmedtje family has existed for several generations.
The Schmedtje family can trace its history back to the 15th century in this region of Germany, as records show the family were landowners and farmers in the area. The current Schmedtje surname is believed to have been created sometime during the 16th to 17th century, when surnames became more commonplace in Europe.
The Schmedtje surname can now be found throughout Europe, the United States and Australia. It is a unique surname, and those who bear it are proud of their Germanic heritage. Those with this surname typically share a common set of characteristics, such as a strong work ethic, loyalty, integrity and a passion for family.
The name Schmedtje means "expert taster", and it is believed that its bearer has the ability to find the best or delicious in all that he or she experiences. For this reason, those who carry this unique last name often find success in the culinary arts, or in finding satisfaction and savoring the simple moments in life.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmedtje: Where does the name Schmedtje come from?
The last name Schmedtje is most commonly found today in the Netherlands, particularly in the northern Dutch provinces such as Groningen and Friesland. This name is also occasionally found in Germany, and there are a few families known to bear the name in the United States as well.
Schmedtje is a patronymic surname, meaning it was borne by the son of a man whose family name was Schmedt. The Schmedtje name first appeared in official records in Dutch church records in the 16th century, as well as in records relating to taxation and military service. Though the Schmedtje family is not particularly large, its members have appeared in the records of some of the Netherlands' most important historic churches, castles, and trading posts over the centuries.
The origin of the Schmedtje surname is unclear, though it may be related to a medieval Dutch word, 'smedt,' meaning blacksmith. This might be a reference to the original Schmedt ancestor's profession, or may simply refer to the physical characteristics of an individual bearing the name. Some other possibilities suggest German and Dutch variations on the original surname, such as Schmeidt and Schmedts.
Today, the Schmedtje family is a relatively small one, though the name is still found in the northern Los Provincias. Despite their largely rural roots, several Schmedtje family members have achieved success in various professional careers, making important contributions to the Dutch economy.
Variations of the surname Schmedtje
The surname Schmedtje is of German, Dutch and Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin and is derived from the Middle High German word “schmedt”, meaning “smith”. Variations in spelling of the name include Schmedte, Schmedtgen, Schmedtmann, Schmeding, Schmedermann, and Schmedeke.
In Germany the Schmedtje surname can also have the German spelling of Schmeidtje, while in the Netherlands it is usually written as 'Schmedt'. In Jewish (Ashkenazic) the name is usually spelled 'Schmedte', or 'Schmedtgen'.
The variant surnames that have been derived from the original name include Schmeider, Schmid, Schmidt, Schmitt, Schmiede, Schmittgen, Schmieding, Schmiedmann, and Schmiedke.
In some instances the name can be found spelled as Schmaedeke, Schmeede, Schmeedte, Schmidtje, and Schmieding. Additionally the surname Schmertmann, derived from the German word 'schmied', also belongs to this group of surnames.
In France, the name is spelled Schmedt, or Schmit. In Italy, it is spelled Schmeedt, or Schmeedti. In Sweden, the name is spelled Schmiedt.
It is also possible to find the surname as a first name in some cases. Variations of this include Schmetterling, Schmette, Schmite, Schmitt, Schmid, Schmeider, Schmeding, and Schmidte.
The name Schmedtje is also found as a Middle Eastern name, usually spelled as Schmetiet, Schmittin, or Shmitteh. In this culture, the root of the name is derived from the Old Hebrew word "shmited", meaning "hammer".
Famous people with the name Schmedtje
- Jan Schmedtje: A Dutch cyclist who competed in the 1928 Summer Olympics.
- Eric Schmedtje: An American soccer player who played in the Major League Soccer and in the USL First Division.
- Bé Schmedtje: A Dutch editor and director of photography, active in both film and television.
- Fritz Schmedtje: A former German politician and member of the Free Democratic Party.
- Pierre Schmedtje: A former French professional footballer.
- Elsbeth Schmedtje: A German actress known for her theatre work in the 1940s.
- Christian Schmedtje: A German journalist and writer of satirical fiction.
- Tom Schmedtje: An American singer-songwriter who released two independent albums under the pseudonym 'Franoise'.
- Liz Schmedtje: A New Zealand fashion designer, costume designer, and patron of the arts.
- Herma Schmedtje: An Austrian writer and journalist.