Surname Schmelarz - Meaning and Origin
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Schmelarz: What does the surname Schmelarz mean?
The last name Schmelarz is of German origin, derived from the Middle German words "Schmelz" or "Schmeltz" meaning "moor" or "fen", typically referring to swampy or marsh type areas. Variations of the name include Schmelzer, Schmelzar, Schmalz, Schmalzer, and Schmalzar. It is believed that the name is derived from people who lived and worked in areas characterized by marsh lands, such as farmers that owned land or fishermen that worked near coastal waters.
Historically, the name likely started as a nickname for someone in the family who was familiar with areas characterized by wetlands, either from farming or fishing. Because of the marshy locations, these people would have need to know how to navigate difficult terrain and machinery, as well as the ins and outs of water-logged grounds. Over time this nickname evolved into an official last name.
The name Schmelarz dates back to the 16th century in Germany, with the earliest records of it being found in the Folckh Register of 1560. During this time, the Schmelars were primarily found living in Bavaria and Prussia, with some having also spread to other areas of Germany like Saxony and East Prussia.
Nowadays, descendants of the Schmelarz family are found mostly in modern-day Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States. Throughout the centuries, the family name has gone through slight changes in spelling, although the meaning and origin remain the same.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmelarz: Where does the name Schmelarz come from?
The last name Schmelarz is most commonly found in Europe, primarily in Germany, Austria, and Poland. In Germany, the surname is believed to have originated in the 16th century in the East Frisian region of the country, from which it spread to other parts of Germany and its surrounding countries.
In Germany, the last name Schmelarz is still common today. The name is often linked to the state of Brandenburg, which is located near Berlin. The city of Berlin is the capital of Germany and is home to many well-known people with the last name Schmelarz, such as music producer and sound engineer Uwe Schmelarz.
Outside of Germany, the surname is also common in Austria, where it is believed to have appeared during the fifteenth century. During the World Wars of the twentieth century, many people with the name Schmelarz moved to the United States and Canada, creating North American diasporas. The United States is currently home to many people with the surname Schmelarz, mostly in the Midwest and on the East Coast.
In Poland, the surname is relatively rare, but it does appear in some parts of the country. It is believed that the name spread to Poland in the eighteenth century, likely due to migration or intermarriage. It is possible that some of the Polish Schmelarzes have connections to Germany, Austria, or other countries in which the name is found.
In summary, the last name Schmelarz is most common today in Germany, Austria, and the United States, although it can also be found sporadically in Poland and other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Schmelarz
Schmelarz is a German surname found mainly in Germany, Austria, and other Germanic countries. This surname has many variants, spellings, and even other surnames of the same origin. Variants of Schmelarz include Schmeller, Schmaler, Schmehler, Schmeler, Schmelerz, Schmellerz, Schmehlarz, Schmellarz, and Schmalarz. Spellings of Schmelarz have also been found as Schmollarz, Schmellers, Schmelser, Schmelters, and Schmelvert.
Other surnames that have the same origin include Schmaler, Schmehl, Schmalz, Schmeling, Schmell, Schmeltzer, and Schmelzle. These distinctive surnames have evolved from the Middle High German word “smelzen” which means “to melt”. This word can refer to the smelting of metals or to the smelting of candles. It is believed that the surname originated from people who were involved in metalworking or candle-making businesses. It is also possible that the surname referenced those who lived near smelting furnaces.
In addition to the many different variants and spellings of Schmelarz, the surname has also been found in countries other than Germany and Austria. It is most commonly seen in Eastern Europe, particularly in Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. Additionally, the surname can be found in France, The Netherlands, and even in the United States, particularly in the states of California, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Famous people with the name Schmelarz
- Paul Schmelarz: Swiss/French entrepreneur who is known for his work as Managing Director at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin.
- Max Schmelarz: Austrian architect who was the co-founder of the Wienerberger Group, the world's leading brick manufacturer.
- Elisabeth Schmelarz: Austrian artist who was a co-founder of the Wiener Secession art movement in Vienna.
- Friedrich Schmelarz: German mathematician from Munich who was the author of several books on abstract algebra and its applications to number theory.
- Richard Schmelarz: Austrian physicist who is best known for his research into the physics of high-pressure diamond anvil cells.
- Kristina Schmelarz: Austrian businesswoman who is the CEO of A1 Telekom, the largest telecommunications provider in Austria.
- Alexander Schmelarz: Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League.
- Günther Schmelarz: Austrian doctor who was a professor of medicine at the University of Vienna and the former president of the Austrian Physicians' Association.
- Kurt Schmelarz: Austrian composer and conductor who was the conductor of the Vienna State Opera and founder of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Leon Schmelarz: German banker who was the chief executive of the Dresdner Bank from 1901 until his death in 1913.