Surname Schmetthans - Meaning and Origin
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Schmetthans: What does the surname Schmetthans mean?
The last name Schmetthans is a German toponymic name derived from the Old-High German words “smoth” and “pan” which roughly translates to “meadow hollow”. It is likely that this last name originally came from a place in northern Germany where the family once lived.
Today, the Schmetthans family is mainly found in several large towns and cities across Germany, Russia, and Kazakhstan. They are also found in smaller pockets in the U.S., Canada, and South America.
Historically, Schmetthans have worked in many fields, ranging from blacksmithing and carpentry, to manual labor and agriculture. The Schmetthans family also has a history of being business-minded; many of its members have founded factories, car workshops, kindergartens, and other businesses.
The Schmetthans' coat of arms features a red and yellow shield with a silver and gold boat as its main motif. This is said to reference the sailing voyages that the family undertook centuries ago to settle in different parts of Germany, Russia, and other regions of the world. It is also a reminder of their business background, as in medieval times only those of higher social status were able to own a boat.
The Schmetthans name is a strong reminder of the family's history, achievements, and values. While the original meaning has been lost, this surname still serves as a reminder of what this family was able to accomplish over the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmetthans: Where does the name Schmetthans come from?
The last name Schmetthans is commonly found in countries where German is spoken, such as Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. Specifically, its highest concentration is in North Rhine-Westphalia, a state in the western part of Germany.
However, the surname also has a presence throughout Europe and beyond. For example, it can be found in the Netherlands, parts of France, and Austria as well. It is also known to be prominent in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania, which was an area to which many German immigrants of the past relocated and settled.
Some people with the surname Schmetthans may have variants of the name, some of which include Schmettenhans and Schmidtans. Spellings of the name may also have changed over the generations due to different forms of pronunciation or misspellings.
The last name Schmetthans itself may have roots in Germany, but due to immigration and natural population growth, its reach has multiplied and today, its origin can be found in many different corners of the world.
Variations of the surname Schmetthans
The surname Schmetthans is of German origin, and is recorded in various spelling variations including Schmetterling, Schmeichel, Schmeith, Schmiden, Schmidt, and Schmeits. It is derived from the Middle High German word “schmitten” or “schmieten” meaning “diminutive of smith”, and originally meant someone who was a “minor smith”. The name may have also been used as a nickname for a hard working artisan.
The variant forms of the surname Schmetthans include Schmeichel, Schmeits, and Schmiden. The Schmeichel form of the name is found primarily in the Rhineland region of Germany, while Schmeits is found in Northern Germany. Schmiden, on the other hand, originally came from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but is now found all over Germany.
The surnames Schmetterling, Schmeith, and Schmidt are all derived from the same root as Schmetthans. The Schmetterling form of the name comes from the Old German word “schmetter” meaning “butterfly” and was used as an occupational nickname for a maker of butterflynets. Schmeith is a patronymic form of the root name and is found mainly in gemany’s Southwestern regions, while the Schmidt surname is more widespread and is also derived from the same root as Schmetthans.
Famous people with the name Schmetthans
- Guido Schmetthans: a German film director and writer whose most famous works include Die Heimkehr der Wolke, Karawane, Glashaus der Freiheit, and Das Felsentor.
- Gerd Schmetthans: a German screenwriter and author who is known for his novel Der Tag der Maschinenpistole and the movie Schwedenmädchen.
- Moritz Schmetthans: a German composer and musicologist who wrote music for films such as The Lion King and Finding Nemo.
- Günter Schmetthans: a German actor and director who starred in films such as Die Geschichte vom Soldaten, Damlas Eine Frau Eine Reise, and Der Letzte Tag.
- Ferdinand Schmetthans: an Austrian-born sculptor, designer, and engineer who worked on engineering projects such as the Kirchenjahr Uhr, the Einwohnerzahl Tower, and the Köhlbrücke.
- Robert Schmetthans: an Austrian composer, conductor, and singer who has written music for films including Sehnsucht, Die Blechtrommel, and Tiere.
- Agnes Schmetthans: a German painter who has exhibited her work at venues such as the Schliemann Museum, the Heidelberg Kunststiftung, and the Musée du Louvre.
- Claus Schmetthans: a German sculptor who won the International Sculpture Awards in 2010 for his work “Der Alte Mann”.
- Elisabeth Schmetthans: an Austrian author and poet whose books include “Das Diadem der Verrückten” and “DreimalimRosenzweig”.
- Johann Schmetthans: a German photographer who has taken photographs of his hometown Duisburg, as well as various other cities around Europe.