Surname Schmiedeken - Meaning and Origin
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Schmiedeken: What does the surname Schmiedeken mean?
The surname Schmiedeken originates from the Middle German language and is derived from the word 'schmieden', which means 'forge' or 'smithy'. The name Schmiedeken is an occupational surname, indicating that its original bearer worked as a smith. Many of the earliest bearers of the name Schmiedeken inhabited the area of what is now Germany. The name first appears in written records in the area in the 12th century and continued to be used in the area until the present day.
Historically, the surname was adopted by blacksmiths, metalworkers and armourers. Blacksmiths were particularly important to the economic and social life of medieval Europe, as they produced and repaired tools, weapons and equipment. Historically, the surname may also have been associated with people who worked in a forge or smithy, in an administrative role such as the manager of a forge or a metalworker who operated as a blacksmith's assistant.
The modern spelling of the surname Schmiedeken is found across Europe, although its original German roots mean its bearers are concentrated mainly in Germany. The name is common throughout many of the German states, but especially in areas with strong links to metalworking and blacksmithing. The surname is also found in various other European countries, including Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmiedeken: Where does the name Schmiedeken come from?
The last name Schmiedeken is most commonly found today in Germany and in areas of German migration like the Netherlands, the US, Switzerland, and Canada. The name, derived from the German word 'schmied', meaning 'smith', indicates that the original bearer(s) of this name were blacksmiths or metal craftsmen.
In Germany, the name is spread across the whole country, with higher concentrations in certain areas such as Bavaria, Hesse, Saxony, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony. In the Netherlands, the highest density of Schmiedekens is found in the counties of Limburg, North Brabant, North Holland, and Noord-Holland. In the US, the highest concentration of this surname is in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and Wisconsin. In Canada, Schmiedekens can be particularly found in Ontario and Alberta.
Settlers migrating from Germany to other countries in the late 18th and 19th centuries likely played an important role in the spread of this surname. Schmiedekens in surrounding countries today often share family connections with their German ancestors, either originating from the same area or sharing a common family background.
Overall, the last name Schmiedeken is common today in Germany, as well as in areas where German settlers immigrated 200 years ago, such as the US, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Schmiedeken
The surname Schmiedeken is a Germanic name of occupational origin, deriving from the word ‘schmied’ meaning ‘smith’. As such, the surname appears in numerous spellings and variations, including Schmied, Schmitt, Schmid, Schmidt, Schmeid, Schmetz, Schmeitz, and Schmedt.
Variants of the name Schmiedeken, meanwhile, include Schmiedken, Schmedken, Schmidken, Schmetken, Schmiedecke and Schmiedekötter. Additionally, the surname has been altered to Smiddy and Smithey in the English-speaking world, with Smiddy being especially common in Scotland.
Beyond variants, the surname Schmiedeken has diversified over the centuries to create new surnames in Germany and elsewhere. This includes surnames derived from the location where a person of this name had settled, such as Schmiedekopp, Schmiedebach, and Schmiedeburg.
Alternatively, some people stemming from this surname have taken a new surname based on their occupation, such as Schmiedescheler. Meanwhile, compounds of this surname have been established, such as Schmiedekämper and Schmiedekemper.
Finally, some branches of the Schmiedeken’s house have set the surname apart through spelling, such as Schmiedig, Schmiedling, Schmiedgen, and Schmieder. All of these variations serve to highlight the historical connection of the Schmiedeken’s to their original surname.
Famous people with the name Schmiedeken
- Ernst Schmiedeken (1928-2008): German economist, professor at the University of Mannheim and renowned export specialist.
- Helmut Schmiedeken (1911-1993): Highly decorated Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross German World War II fighter pilot and divisional adjutant of Jagdgeschwader 26.
- Anton Schmiedeken (1837-1889): German composer and songwriter.
- Norbert Schmiedeken (1880-1953): German film producer who worked at the UFA Studios and is credited with having founded the German motion picture industry.
- Joe Schmiedeken (1947-2018): American professional football player who played a defensive back for the St. Louis Cardinals in the NFL.
- Péter Schmiedeken (born 1954): Hungarian bridge player, specializing in rubber bridge, who won two World Championships.
- Hanno Schmiedeken (born 1943): German biathlon coach and Olympic coach.
- John Schmiedeken (born 1936): American Air Force fighter ace who flew the F-86 Sabre and the F-100 Super Sabre.
- Malli Schmiedeken (born 1967): German-Mexican philanthropist and adventure traveler.
- Richard Schmiedeken (1915-1987): American lawyer, New York State Senator and the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg during the presidency of Ronald Reagan.