Surname Schmeykal - Meaning and Origin
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Schmeykal: What does the surname Schmeykal mean?
The last name Schmeykal is of German origin. It derived from the old German words "smio" and "heim" which together mean "home in the forest". The name then evolved into the modern spelling, Schmeykal.
The original meaning of this name, then, was likely to identify someone who lived in or near a forest. This could be a person of high social standing, as forests were often valuable assets that could only be owned by wealthy families. Alternatively, someone with this name could have been a hunter or trapper who eked out a living within the relative safety of the forests.
It's also possible that Schmeykal is derived from a name of a Germanic god or hero since Germans often adopted the names of gods or great heroes to use as surnames.
Today, the surname Schmeykal is associated with loyalty and strength, two qualities that would certainly have been needed by those who sought out life in the forests of the German-speaking countries or beyond. The surname is also very uncommon, carrying a certain aura of mystique with it. It's likely this intrigue will continue to be associated with the Schmidt family name for a long time to come.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmeykal: Where does the name Schmeykal come from?
The last name Schmeykal is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. It is believed to have originated in the area and spread throughout Europe during the early- to mid-1900s. The name is a variant of the name Schmeiksal, which was a term commonly used in German and Austrian regions to describe things that are small and insignificant.
Variations of the Schmeykal name include Schmeikal and Schmeikel. It is also spelled a variety of ways, such as Schmeikal, Schmeiksal, Shmeikal, and Shmeiksal.
Other countries where Schmeykal is commonly found include the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. According to a study conducted in 2017, nearly 10,000 people share the Schmeykal surname in existence today.
The Schmeykal name trace back to Old German words meaning "shield," which suggests protection and security. It could also derive from the word "meikl," which means "stomach" or "gut," similar to the word Schmeikalsar, meaning "the belly's innards."
Schmeykal is also seen as an occupational name, as some people born with the name were likely considered to be "meiklers," or members of the working class who transported items from one place to another.
Schmeykal can also be used as a noun to refer to a small and insignificant object.
Overall, the last name Schmeykal is most commonly seen in Germany, Austria, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is thought to have originated in the area and is believed to derive from Old German words for "shield" or "stomach." In addition, the name may have been an occupational name given to those who transported goods.
Variations of the surname Schmeykal
The surname Schmeykal is derived from the German word Schmeier, which is derived from the Middle High German language. A Schmeier is a person who was usually involved in the legal profession. Spellings and variants of the surname could include Schmeckal, Schmiegel, Schmeichel, Schmickal, Scheykal, Schmeygal, and Schmiegel.
Other surnames derived from the Schmeier root can include Schmichel, Schmiech, Schmigo, and Schmaaker. Schmeichel is a variant of Schmeier found in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, and is derived from Schmeier with an extra “i”.
In the United States, the spelling may have been changed to Schwichel, or even Smekal. Schmickal is another variant common in Germany, and is derived from the Middle High German Schmiegel and the Low German Schmiegel. This variant is often found in the area around the Elbe River in Germany. The name Scheykal is believed to be derived from the German word “Schweyk”, which means guardian, and the Dutch word “Kael”, which is related to the German word for wall.
Schmeygal is a variant commonly found in Austria and Germany. It is derived from the German word “schmiegel”, which means someone who is involved in the legal profession. Also, there is the surname Schamaaker, which also comes from the Middle High German word “schmiegel”.
No matter how the surname is spelled, they all share the common root in the Middle High German “Schmeier” and could indicate one’s legal profession.
Famous people with the name Schmeykal
- Jan Schmeykal—actor, author, and playwright, best known for his role in the Dutch film Jackie.
- Thomas Schmeykal—German judoka and Olympian who competed in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.
- Günther Schmeykal—Austrian sculptor and author, best known for his sculptures of horses.
- Johannes Schmeykal—German classical composer and musicologist, best known for his works "Ode to Joy" and "Symphony in G Minor".
- Keilyn Schmeykal—American artist, dancer, and choreographer, best known for her work on Broadway and for her company "Singing Rooster Dance Company".
- Eric Schmeykal—Austrian professional bass player, best known for his contributions to jazz and rock music.
- Steve Schmeykal—American cinematographer, director, and producer, best known for his work on the films "Tale of Two Worlds" and "Meteor Man".
- Jeremiah Schmeykal—Canadian photographer, best known for his photos of wildlife and nature.
- Joseph Schmeykal—American investment banker who served as President of Financial Developments LLC from 2000 until 2006.
- Pat Schmeykal—American basketball player, best known for playing guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1991 to 1996.