Surname Schmidtlein - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schmidtlein: What does the surname Schmidtlein mean?
The last name Schmidtlein is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German words schmiden (‘to forge’) and lein (‘laud’ or ‘law’). Its literal meaning is ‘belonging to a smith’, and suggests someone who was a blacksmith or metalworker of some type.
In older Germanic symbolism, the blacksmith was seen as a heroic figure. As one of the few people capable of producing, repairing, and maintaining metal tools, the blacksmith was crucial for the development and success of any early village or town. His role is immortalized in popular mythology, from the mythical Vulcan to the legendary figure of Saint Joseph.
The last name Schmidtlein was thus a sign of honor in the past, indicating the individual was an excellent blacksmith. Today, the name is more likely to signal the individual’s ancestors or heritage, as blacksmiths are no longer as essential as they once were.
The name Schmidtlein is not particularly common; as of 2020, it is estimated to be held by just over 1,100 people in the United States alone. However, it is still considered an important part of German history and heritage. It is a reminder of the heroics of blacksmiths in past ages and the vital role they played in pre-industrial societies.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmidtlein: Where does the name Schmidtlein come from?
The last name Schmidtlein is most common today in Germany. It is found in multiple regions throughout the country, primarily in the south, including Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Saxony.
Schmidtlein is also found in Austria, particularly in the Tyrol region, but also scattered around other provinces. Additionally, the name is found in Switzerland, primarily in northern areas.
The surname still remains most frequent in the south German region of Bavaria, with more occurrences of the name in larger metropolitan cities like Munich and Nuremberg. Records also indicate that the name has been used extensively in the Catholic Church, with documents recording the ordaining of numerous priests with the name Schmidtlein between the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Outside of Europe, Schmidtlein has recently started to become more common in the United States and Canada. Most occurrences of the name have been found within the past two or three generations, with most living Schmidtleins in those countries descending from German immigrants. It is now found in multiple states in the U.S and throughout Canada.
In total, the modern concentration of Schmidtlein now spans multiple nations across the world, from Germany in the heart of Europe, to the United States in the west.
Variations of the surname Schmidtlein
The surname Schmidtlein has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variants of Schmidtlein include Schmidlin, Schmidlyn, Schmittlein, Schmittlin, Schmittle, Schmidl, Smidtle, Smittlein, and Smittle.
Spellings of Schmidtlein include Schmidtlein, Schmiedtlein, Schmittlein, Schmittlin, Schmiedtlin, and Schmittlein.
Surnames of the same origin as Schmidtlein include Schmidt, Schmitt, and Smiedt. People who bear these surnames are likely of German descent, and Schmidtlein may have originated as a German locational surname derived from the Middle Ages.
The surname Schmidtlein appears in documents written in German as early as the 13th century, in various forms including Schmidlin, Schmidtlin, Schuttlein, and Schimitlein.
Last names bearing the spelling Schmittlein first began appearing in the United States around 1750, likely brought by German immigrants seeking a better life. The surname has since spread throughout the United States and can now be found elsewhere.
Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin can help provide clues to the origin of a surname. Anyone researching their family history is encouraged to explore all the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin associated with their surname in order to gain an understanding of its history and origin.
Famous people with the name Schmidtlein
- Hans Schmidtlein (aka Theodor Johannes Schmidtlein), German artist
- Rudolf Schmidtlein, former Vice President of Deutsche Bundesbank
- Andrew Schmidtlein, American professional golfer
- Johann Schmidtlein, German architect
- Anna Schmidtlein, German sculptor
- Jürgen Schmidtlein, German economist
- Georg Schmidtlein, German musician and composer
- Ernest Schmidtlein, German-born American child actor
- Albert Schmidtlein, German painter
- Harry Schmidtlein, Austrian illustrator