Surname Schmiedpeter - Meaning and Origin
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Schmiedpeter: What does the surname Schmiedpeter mean?
The last name Schmiedpeter is a German surname. It is derived from the word “Schmied” meaning "goldsmith" or "smith," and “Peters” from "Peter." Together, it literally translates into "smith Peter," or someone who is a master smith.
In Germany, during the Middle Ages, smith Peter's were typically highly valued members of the communities because they could craft and repair metal tools, weapons and other goods in a time where things weren’t available in stores. It was an essential trade in that era and people who mastered that art were well respected and sought after.
A coat of arms with the phrase "Behold how good and pleasant it is," in German, also accompanies the Schmiedpeter name. It’s a notable meaning, reflecting the underlying values of the skilled trade and its importance in the community.
Today, most people with the Schmiedpeter last name come from the German-speaking area of the Alps. It’s a unique and historical last name and shows the pride of generations in a time where skills and craftsmanship were some of the most valued assets a person could have.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmiedpeter: Where does the name Schmiedpeter come from?
The last name Schmiedpeter is most commonly found in Germany today. According to the German phonebook Der Telefonbuch, there are over 150 listings of that name scattered across the country. It appears in cities in all of the 16 German states, the most common being in Bavaria, Saxony, North-Rhine Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Saxony-Anhalt.
The history of the Schmiedpeter name goes back to the Middle Ages. It evolved from its original form “Schmied”, which is the German word for blacksmith. In the past, family names were, in part, a reflection of the profession of the patriarch. Given its literal meaning, it's likely that Schmiedpeter was created by a blacksmith's family.
The Schmiedpeters are connected to a large family network, going well beyond Germany. People with the last name can trace their roots to Switzerland, Czech Republic, Austria, and many of the countries of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Nowadays, the name Schmiedpeter remains a popular German name. It is usually found among those who are still living in Germany, with some lines having stayed in the same region for centuries, and some having migrated or emigrated. It is particularly popular in the more rural areas of the country, where it is still associated with a strong sense of German heritage.
Variations of the surname Schmiedpeter
The surname Schmiedpeter is a German name meaning “smith of Peter”. It has multiple variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Schmied, Schmydt, Schmeitz, Schmid, Schmidpeisser, Schmidt, Schmitt, Schmidpeter, or Schmidpeter.
The most popular variant of this surname is Schmied. It is used in modern German and Austrian contexts and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘schmide’ which means ‘smith’. It is believed to have been an occupational surname for those who worked in the trade of smithy and blacksmithing. It is also found throughout Europe, especially in German-speaking countries.
The surname Schmitt is another variant of the same origin and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘schmīt’ meaning ‘smit’. It is also an occupational surname and was generally used for those who worked in various fields, such as blacksmithing, metalwork, or brickmaking.
Schmidpeter is also a variant of Schmiedpeter and is derived from the Middle High German words ‘schmiede’ and ‘peter’. It is believed to have been given to those who worked as a smith in the home of someone called Peter. It is mostly found in Germany and Austria and is also used in modern German and Austrian contexts.
Finally, Schmidt is also a variant of Schmiedpeter and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘schmiede’ meaning ‘smith’. It is found in both English and German contexts, as well as other European countries. It is also an occupational surname and was used for those who practiced blacksmithing.
Famous people with the name Schmiedpeter
- Ludwig Schmiedpeter (1889-1966): German composer and organist; acclaimed for his organ works such as Improvisation sur un Noël, Variations sur un chant de Noël and Prélude, Fugue et Postlude.
- Nobert Schmiedpeter (1890- "$1973"): Austrian poet, playwright and script writer, best known for his Expressionist works such as Wie ein Schloss im Schnee and Elf Uhr Nacht; his works were also performed on the radio.
- Betina Schmiedpeter (1945-2020): German social scientist, author and academic; she was especially known for her work in the fields of gender studies and sociology.
- Johann Schmiedpeter (1800-1840): a Viennese professor, famous for his work on the theory and practice of relaying information, especially regarding signal technology.
- Lothar Schmiedpeter (born 1939): German visual artist, most notably known for his abstract paintings such as Games of Heaven and citing the positive from the negative.
- Siegfried Schmiedpeter (1925-2006): Austrian painter, credited with an impressive body of work ranging from abstract pieces to realistic ones, such as Storch, Flusslandschaft and Pavillon; he was also recognisable in the art circles of the East.
- Moritz Schmiedpeter (1893-1968): Austrian playwright, famous for his Weimar Republic-era plays such as Freitag der 13 and Sechsundneunzig.
- Martin Schmiedpeter (1903-1981): German journalist and writer who focussed on cricket; some of his renowned works include The Flying Dutchman and Iron Men of Old.
- Richard Schmiedpeter (1903–1973): Austrian athlete, one of the premier competitors of the 4km cross-country running and the 4x100m relay which he won numerous times.
- Hermann Schmiedpeter (1886-1959): Austrian art restorer and archaeologist; he was especially acclaimed for his works on the restoration of churches and monuments in Vienna like the Theatine Church and Vienna City Hall.