Surname Schmitjes - Meaning and Origin
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Schmitjes: What does the surname Schmitjes mean?
Schmitjes is an occupational surname that originated in the Netherlands. The name refers to someone who is a skilled metalworker, specifically someone who works with tin and silver. This type of metalworking was one of the most important industries in the Dutch economy during the 1800s.
The Schmitjes metalworking trade likely dates back to the Middle Ages when tin and silver were of great importance. Tin was used to create household and industrial items such as pans, lamps, and jewelry. Silver was a popular metal for making coins. Highly skilled metalworkers would hammer pieces of tin and silver into desired shapes to make items such as trays, teacups, and jewelry.
The name “Schmitjes” is derived from the Dutch word “smidsen,” which means “to smith” or “forge.” Curiously, the name has also been linked to the history of bell ringing. Bells were originally made by good smiths who were known for their excellent workmanship and precision. This is where the name “Schmitjes” may have originated from.
The Schmitjes surname is still present to this day. It is an important part of Dutch history and has been passed down for generations. People with this name still work in the metalworking trade, carrying on the family tradition.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmitjes: Where does the name Schmitjes come from?
The last name Schmitjes (or Schmitz, Schmitzes, or variants of this spelling) is found in countries across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
In Europe, Schmitjes is a common German surname, with a long history in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. It can also be found in Belgium, Holland, and other countries with German-speaking populations. In the Middle East, Schmitjes is a common name among those of Jewish or Sephardic descent.
In the Americas, the surname Schmitjes can be found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the US, it is most common in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, where it was brought by German and Dutch immigrants. In Canada and Mexico, the surname is much less common, but can still be found among descendants of European settlers.
It is also possible to find the surname Schmitjes in some Caribbean countries, such as Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, where it was carried by caste members of European descent.
Overall, while Schmitjes is a fairly common name, its highest concentration is still in Europe, the Middle East, and the US Midwest. For those interested in tracing the family’s history, these locations provide the best starting points for research.
Variations of the surname Schmitjes
The surname Schmitjes is an Dutch name of origin, likely stemming from the patronymic Schmit. This surname is also found in Germany, forming an occupational surname like many patronymic names, referring to someone who was an official or municipal secretary or a scribe.
Variations of this surname include Schmitz, Schmit, Schmitzius, Schmitt, Schmidt, Schmid, Smith, Smits, and Smid.
In Dutch, the surname can be found spelled as 'Schmitjes' or 'Schmitzes' as well as 'Schmittes', stemming from the masculine form of the surname 'Schmitt', which is German. The alternate spelling of Schmid or Schmit is frequent in Germany, where Schmid is also found as a variation of Schmidt. It is likely that many of the variations in spelling stem from people altering the spelling of their surname to avoid persecution under the eugenics movement or other discriminatory laws of the era.
Other derivative surnames include Schanza, Smitt, Schortz, Schmitsz, Mitze, and Shmit.
The surname is also found in the United States. In US soundex, the surname is listed as 'S530'.
Famous people with the name Schmitjes
- Bart Schmitjes: Former Member of Dutch Parliament
- Jody Schmitjes: Bassist with the band The Kilmaine Saints
- Liesbeth Schmitjes: Dutch TV presenter
- Tjeu Schmitjes: Former CEO of Eneco
- Antonio Schmitz Schmitjes: Dutch Movie Center Director
- John Schmitjes: American Real Estate Broker
- Gerard Schmitjes: Former Dutch Intelligence Officer
- Jan P. Schmitjes: Dutch Astronomer
- Jan L. Schmitjes: Dutch Author
- Joost Schmitjes: Dutch Filmmaker