Surname Schmejkal - Meaning and Origin
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Schmejkal: What does the surname Schmejkal mean?
The last name Schmejkal is a German last name, derived from the language of Yiddish. It is believed to have originally been used as a nickname for someone who was jovial or vivacious. The word Schmejkal is derived from the Old High German word schmecken, meaning to taste or to enjoy. It is likely that the surname became attached to someone who was known for having a good sense of humor and was often seen enjoying life.
The surname is still used today, primarily in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and other regions of the former Czechoslovakia. It is a fairly uncommon surname compared to other German surnames, but it does show up from time to time. Many people with the surname have also emigrated to the United States, as well as other parts of the world, thus making it a truly international last name.
Overall, the last name Schmejkal is indicative of good humor, enjoyment, and vivacity. It is likely that someone with this surname is someone who is easy to get along with and enjoys making people smile. It is also a reminder to all that life should be enjoyed and savored.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmejkal: Where does the name Schmejkal come from?
The last name Schmejkal is derived from the Czech language and has its roots in a town in the Czech Republic called Schmejkalov, which is located in Olomouc Region. The town's name translates to “Schmejkal's place” and the family name originated with a local resident by the same name.
Today, many people with the last name Schmejkal are native to the Czech Republic, though there are also significant numbers of Schmejkal descendants that have migrated to other parts of the world. The United States is home to the largest concentration of people with the Schmejkal surname outside of the Czech Republic, with many descendants living in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Texas. Canada is also home to many Schmejkal's, with a majority living in Alberta. Descendants of the original Schmejkal family can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, and England.
Whatever their origin, many Schmejkal's proudly trace their roots back to the small village of Schmejkalov in the Czech Republic. In recent times, the Czech government has created a Schmejkal family archive, which traces the family's origins back as far as 1650, making it one of the oldest existing families of Europe.
Variations of the surname Schmejkal
The Schmejkal surname is a Czech or German surname likely derived from the personal name Sehmkal, or a variation of the name Scheidemann, which originates from the Middle High German term schaidman meaning one who has cleared or adjudicated (land). The Schmejkal spelling of the surname has been found in the Czech Republic as well as Germany, while variations and spellings may include names such as Schmehkal, Schmeckail, Schmeckal, Schmieckal, Schmeckall, Schmekal, Schmeekal, Schmeichel, Schmeikal, Schmeikl, Schmeykal, Shejkal, Shemikal, Shmeikal, Szmejkal, Szmeykal, and Smejkal.
Various alternate surnames have also been used based on the origin of the original Schmejkal surname. This includes Scheidemann, Schmidmann, Szmytkal, Szmertka, and Szmeichel in German, as well as Czech names such as Rybnikar (rybník meaning lake or pond) and Rybkal, both derived from the profession of a fisherman.
Immigrants who left Europe with the surname Schmejkal often changed the name upon arrival in the United States in order to be more easily pronounced, and thus various versions of the name are found in immigration records. Examples of these variations include Schmeyl, Smayl, Smil, Smuyhl, and Schmule.
Famous people with the name Schmejkal
- Karel Schmejkal: Czech artist
- Nurse Bettie Schmejkal: American burlesque performer and art historian
- Zikmund Schmejkal: Czech poet and writer
- Ondřej Schmejkal: Czech actor and director
- Maria Schmejkal Batelka: Czech sculptor
- Otto Schmejkal: Czech religious and political leader
- Thomas Schmejkal: German pianist and jazz musician
- Vlastimil Schmejkal: Czech historian
- Peter Schmejkal: Austrian film director and producer
- Josef Schmejkal: Austrian sculptor
- Roman Schmejkal: Slovakian actor and theater director
- Florian Schmejkal: German writer, artist, and photographer
- Oldřich Schmejkal: Czech journalist, blogger, and musician
- Jan Schmejkal: Czech lecturer and political analyst
- Jaroslav Schmejkal: Czech air force pilot and fighter ace