Surname Schmelzel - Meaning and Origin
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Schmelzel: What does the surname Schmelzel mean?
The meaning of the last name Schmelzel is unclear, though it suggested that it might have derived from the German words for “to melt” or “to crumble”. In the United States and other English speaking countries, the name is most likely a variant of the English word “smelter”, referring to a person who works with furnaces to strengthen and refine a metal.
Despite this possible origin, the Schmelzel family can trace itself back to Germany, when it first appeared in the records at the beginning of the 19th century. From there, Schmelzel seems to have spread rapidly, till by the early 20th century it was found across Europe and even further afield in the United States and other countries.
The Schmelzel name carries with it a sense of belonging, both in terms of its shared history and its shared identity. To many, it is a reminder of generations of families that have worked, farmed, and lived together, keeping their traditions alive and enduring through the generations. As well, the name has come to symbolize achievement, resilience, and the core values of hard work, determination, and loyalty.
In short, the name Schmelzel carries a wealth of meaning and a sense of rich history. These values have been passed down through the centuries and are still embodied by the Schmelzel family today.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmelzel: Where does the name Schmelzel come from?
The last name Schmelzel is most commonly found today in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. The origin of the name comes from Schmeel, an old German word for "quest". This suggests that the original holders of the last name were in pursuit of something.
In Germany, Schmelzel can be found in many different forms, depending on the location. In the North, forms of the name like Schmalzel, Smelzla, Schmalzle, and Smeltzle are more common, while in the south forms like Schmölzel, Schmelze, and Schmölzer might be more common.
The Netherlands also contains many holders of the last name, mostly in the Zuid-Holland region of the country. Here, Schmelyzel, Schmelzeel, Schmelzer, and Schmeulen are popular variants.
In Austria, Schmelzel is more common near Vienna. Commonvariants in this region are Schmaltz, Schmalz, Schmelitz, and Schmalzer.
All in all, the last name Schmelzel is most common in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Although it may exist in other countries in minor populations, these three places are where it has the most significant presence.
Variations of the surname Schmelzel
The surname Schmelzel is predominantly found among Jewish populations in Europe and North America, and is derived from the Yiddish word “schmelz”, which means melting or softening. Variants of this surname include Schmelzer, Schmelzle, Schmeltz, Schmeilz, Schmeltzer, Schmeilzer, and Smelzo. Spellings of this surname include Shmelzel, Schmeltzl, Schmeilzle, Schmeelz, Schmeltzle, Shmeilz, and Schmeelzl. Surnames that are related to Schmelzel include Smelcer, Schmelcer, Schmaltz, and Schmalz.
The Schmelzel surname is believed to have originated as an occupational name for a person who was a silk merchant, or was involved in a business related to melting or refining a product. Other varieties of this surname could have been used to designate people who were involved in the production of wool or silk cloth, or as a term of endearment for a person who was gentle or soft.
The Schmelzel surname can also be found with various prefixes, such as “van”, “de”, “der”, “von”, “le”, and “di”, which can indicate a geographic origin or family connection. As such, variants of the Schmelzel surname may include Vandermelz, Demelz, VanDermeilzen, DeMeltzel, Dermeltzel, Vonmelz, LeMeltz, DiMeltzie, Vanderschmelz, DeSchmelz, DeSchmeelzle, LeSchmelz, and DiSchmeelz.
The Schmelzel surname has also adapted to various cultures, translating into different variations in different languages. For example, in East European countries, Schmelzel may be spelled Smely, Smyel, Schmely, Szmely, Smelyi, Smel, and Szmel. In German, the Schmelzel surname may be written as Schmeltz or Schmeltzer. In French, it may appear as Schmelz or Schmelze. In Dutch, it may be written as Schmel or Smel.
Famous people with the name Schmelzel
- Curtis Schmelzel: graduate of Montana State University who was killed in the 9/11 attacks
- Jeffrey Schmelzel: award-winning evolutionary biologist and geneticist
- Robert Schmelzel: renowned classical bassoonist and former associate professor of bassoon at the University of Michigan School of Music
- Donald Schmelzel: American physicist and theoretical chemist
- Todd Schmelzel: National Football League offensive tackle
- Reinhold Schmelzel: influential German chemist and pioneer of spectroscopy
- Susan Schmelzel: wildlife photographer and conservationist
- Ralph Schmelzel: classical composer and music professor
- Barbara Schmelzel: Australian-based painter and printmaker
- Lyn Schmelzel: successful New York City public relations consultant
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Comments or additions to the name "Schmelzel"
22.06.2024
Sarah Schmelzel LPGA golf professional