Surname Schmiede - Meaning and Origin
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Schmiede: What does the surname Schmiede mean?
The last name Schmiede is of German origin, with the literal English translation of "Smith". It is derived from the word "schmieden", which was a Middle High German term used to refer to a blacksmith. As a surname, it likely originated with someone who was either a professional metalworker or a master craftsman.
In the past, the Schmiede name typically referred to those who made swords, knives, screws, nails, and even furniture from a combination of metals and other materials such as wood. Being good at smithing often required highly-specialized skills and knowledge, so those who bore the Schmiede name may have also acted as educators, passing their techniques onto apprentices.
In modern times, metalworking is still considered a highly valued profession, although the term "smith" is now mainly associated with construction workers and vehicle repair services. Even those with the surname Schmiede today might still carry with them the legacy that was originally attached to the name.
Overall, the last name Schmiede signifies respect, skill, professionalism, and dedication all stemming from the craftsmanship of metalworking. It is a sign of a long-held heritage that is still appreciated today.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmiede: Where does the name Schmiede come from?
Today the last name Schmiede is most common in Germany, where it is one of the most popular surnames. In terms of population, the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia alone accounts for a little over one-third of all people across the world with the Schmiede surname. Outside of Germany, Schmiede is not as common a surname, but can still be found in some parts of Europe, including Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
In the United States, Schmiede is quite a bit more rare, with around 1,600 estimated people carrying the surname. Most of the people with this name live in Wisconsin, Illinois, and New York. Other countries where the surname is found include Australia, Canada, and Brazil.
The Schmiede surname is derived from the Old High German word for "smith," which was likely the occupation of the person who first held the name. The last name itself is likely one of the oldest in the German language, tracing back to at least the early 1200s. In more recent times, the Schmiede surname has been most associated with German nobility, although the average person bearing the name likely has more humble origins.
Variations of the surname Schmiede
The surname Schmiede is a German surname, derived from the word 'schmied', which means 'smith'. It is an occupational surname, which originated in the Middle Ages in Germany. Variants of the surname include the Germanic 'Schmied', 'Schmitt', 'Schmidt' and 'Schmitte', as well as 'Schmieder', 'Schmiedl', 'Schmidtke', 'Schmiedele', 'Schmalz' and 'Schmeisser'.
In the past, people were often referred to by their occupation and the Schmied family would have been known as blacksmiths. The surname is common across Europe, owing to the large-scale migration of Germans in the 19th century. The different spellings of the surname can be attributed to the various languages spoken in Europe at the time.
In the United States, the Schmiede surname has been Americanized to 'Smith'. The Smith family is one of the most common surnames in the United States and was originally derived from the Schmiede surname. It is also derived from the Old English word 'smitan', which means to 'strike or smite'.
The Schmiede family is also well-represented in other parts of the world, such as Australia, South Africa, and Canada. In South Africa, variants of the surname include the Afrikaans 'Smedt', 'Smuts', and 'Schmidt'. In Australia, the surname is often spelt as 'Schmeider', 'Schmidt' and 'Schmidl', while in Canada, 'Smith' and 'Schmidt' are the most common spellings.
Overall, the surname Schmiede is a unique occupational surname with several distinct spellings and variants. The different spellings of the surname have come about due to geographical and linguistic differences and have brought the surname to different parts of the world today.
Famous people with the name Schmiede
- Johannes Schmiede: German actor
- Arnold Schmiede: German field hockey player
- Christian Johann Schmiede: German landscape painter
- Ernst Schmiede: German mycologist
- Johanna Schmiede: German rower
- Sabine Schmiede: Austrian cross-basketball player
- Sophie Schmiede: German fencer
- Cyril Schmiede: French football player
- Winfried Schmiede: German football coach
- Vicki Schmiede: Italian bobsled racer
- Mark Schmiede: Canadian musician
- Eberhard Schmiede: German film producer and screenwriter
- Peter Schmiede: German footballer
- Susanne Schmiede: German Rhythmic gymnast
- Scott Schmiede: American explorer and writer
- Julia Schmiede: Austrian fitness competitor
- Dannie Schmiede: American cartoonist
- Eric Schmiede: German bobsledder
- Hilka Schmiede: German photographer
- Walter Schmiede: German trombonist