Surname Schmitlein - Meaning and Origin

Schmitlein: What does the surname Schmitlein mean?

The last name Schmitlein is of German origin and is thought to derive from the German Geschmeide, which translates as "jewelry" or "valuables". This indicates that an ancestor of the Schmitlein family was a jeweler or valuables keeper, or worked in an occupation related to such activities. As with other German surnames, the prefix "Schm" may be derived from the verb 'schmieren,' meaning "to smear, oil or grease," implying an ancestor engaged in the smithing profession, most likely as a blacksmith.

In the U.S., the spelling of Schmitlein has evolved over time to include Schmittle and Smittle. It is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, where many German immigrants settled in the early 1700s. It is estimated that more than 35,000 people in the U.S. have the Schmitlein surname.

The Schmitlein family is proud of their legacy in Germany and the U.S. They are proud of their German heritage and their hardworking past which has been passed down for many generations. This is reflected in the Schmitlein coat of arms, which contains a black background, a red wheel and eight gold fleur-de-lis, representing strength and protection.

Schmitlein: Where does the name Schmitlein come from?

The surname Schmitlein is most commonly found today in the German language speaking countries of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The name Schmitlein comes from an old German word "Schmidel" which means "small hammer". This was most likely an occupational surname for a blacksmith or metalworker.

Schmitlein is a fairly uncommon surname, but can also be found in some parts of the US, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. There is a larger population of Schmitlein families in the United States located primarily in the states of Louisiana, Texas, and Illinois. The surname is also quite popular in the city of Frankfurt, Germany and its surrounding region.

In the United States, the Schmitlein family is believed to have emigrated from Germany in the late 19th century. It is unknown exactly when the first Schmitlein family came to the United States but it is likely that the migration occurred as a result of wars and famine occurring in Germany throughout the 19th century.

Today, Schmitlein families are distributed fairly evenly throughout the world but, are most concentrated in the German language speaking countries of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Variations of the surname Schmitlein

The surname Schmitlein is a variation of the German surname Schimmel, which means "brave horseman". Spellings for the surname vary greatly, such as Schimmel, Schimel, Schmeel, Schmeil, and Schmele. Additionally, the surname has many variants which include Schmittlin, Schmitlin, Schmitelin, Schmittel, Schmitel, Schmeetle, Schmeerle, Smitlein, and Schmettlein.

Many of the spelling variants can be seen within North America, especially among those of German descent. The Schmitlein surname is often seen in the German-American community in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio. Variations of the surname can also be found in Canadian records.

The Schmitlein surname originated from a given name of the same spelling. The given name is generally classified as a German diminutive of Schimmel, which was commonly found in the Middle Ages. The diminutive form of Schimmel meant “small horse”, and was a term of endearment. The surname Schmitlein also has similarity to the name Schmidt, which means “smith” or “metalworker.”

The surname Schmitlein is often found within Eastern Europe, where spellings such as Schmittlin and Smitlein are commonly seen. Other surnames of interest that have a similar origin or meaning include Schmid, Schmieder, and Schmidle.

In Germany, the Schmitlein surname is often found within records dated in the 1800s and later. Several ancestral families of the surname can be traced back to different regions, such as Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Famous people with the name Schmitlein

• Zach Schmitlein, Professional Dancer and Choreographer
• John Schmitlein, American Lutheran Pastor
• Laura Schmitlein, American Singer and Songwriter
• Grant Schmitlein (AKA: Rhett and Link), American Internet Comedians
• Eric Schmitlein, American Biostatistician
• Bryan Schmitlein, American Professional Golfer
• Robert Schmitlein, American Casualty Actuary
• Simon Schmitlein, German Professional Soccer Player
• Stan Schmitlein, American Football Player
• Hans Schmitlein, German Painter and Author.

Other surnames

Schmitlin