Surname Schmeing - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schmeing: What does the surname Schmeing mean?
The surname Schmeing is a Germanic name. It is thought to have originated in North-West Germany, specifically in the area of Schleswig-Holstein. It is also believed that the family migrated southwards to Saxony and Lower Rhineland.
The literal meaning of Schmeing is "the small one," which is derived from the old Germanic element "schme-," itself a diminutive form of “schmi," which means protective enclosure. During the Middle Ages, this was a reference to small family estates, where families cultivated their own land and produced food.
It is also believed that the name Schmeing has Jewish roots. In Hebrew, it is written שמינג, and is thought to mean “guardian,” referencing a tradition of family protection that dates back to ancient times.
The Schmeing surname has endured for centuries, as evidenced by its presence in church records from the 15th and 16th centuries around Germany. Today, it is a common surname throughout Europe, with particular prevalence in Germany, Austria, and the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmeing: Where does the name Schmeing come from?
The last name Schmeing is a German surname that is still quite common in Germany today. It is especially prevalent in the regions of Bavaria, Hesse, Thuringia, North-Rhine Westphalia, and Saarland. It is likely that many bearers of the name, or their ancestors, originated in these areas.
In terms of global distribution, people with the last name Schmeing can be found in other European countries, particularly those in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in the United States, Canada, and South Africa. The name is also present in countries with a degree of German influence or heritage, such as Namibia and Mexico.
The surname Schmeing is thought to derive from the Middle High German smein, meaning a blacksmith. It is likely that the original bearers of the name were craftsman who worked with metal, and the name may have since acquired additional meanings in various areas.
The actual numbers for last name Schmeing cannot be easily determined, since it is possible that various variant spellings are in use, depending on the language or country in question. However, it is clear that the name is still in use in its original homeland, as well as in a number of other countries throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Schmeing
The surname Schmeing is likely derived from Germanic roots and is generally found in Germany, the Netherlands, and countries of Germanic influence. Common variants and spellings of Schmeing include Schmeink, Schmeink, Schmeichel, Schmejkal, Schmejer, Schmeizl, and Schmeigh.
Not all variants of Schmeing are necessarily of Germanic origin; other regional spellings exist. In Dutch, the surname is often written as 'Schmeingh'. Variants of this Dutch spelling include Schmeingh, Schmeinck, and Schmilink. In Austria and Hungary, the surname is often written as 'Schmeing'. Variants of this spelling include Schmeier and Schmeister.
The surname is also sometimes found spelt 'Schmieing', 'Schmeying' or 'Schmieng'. These spellings are typically associated with Jewish families of German origin. Variants of 'Schmieng' include Schmaing and Schmeigne.
Other surnames with similar origins or meanings to Schmeing include Schmehl, Schmeichel, Schmiege, Schmieder, Schmiegel, and Schmidt. These are all likely variants and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Schmeing
- Erich Schmeing: German television actor
- Wolfgang Schmeing: German professor of philosophy
- Michael Schmeing: American-born, Austrian-based filmmaker
- Ann Schmeing: American Olympic swimmer
- Malte Schmeing: German architect
- Sabine Schmeing: German judge
- Joe Schmeing: former American professional football lineman
- Christina Schmeing: American author, psychiatrist, and mercy doctor
- Fred Schmeing: German architect
- Jürgen Schmeing: German physicist