Surname Schnappup - Meaning and Origin

Schnappup: What does the surname Schnappup mean?

The last name Schnappup is of German origin and is derived from the German phrase “schon-haben”. This phrase literally translates to “already have”, but likely refers to a person who is quick to take action or who has already acquired something.

The Schnappups, therefore, were likely considered resourceful people who had the means and skills necessary to act quickly or acquire what their heart desired. The surname may have been first used as a nickname, or moniker, to describe the traits of a certain individual. It may also be derived from a place name in Germany, such as Schnappendorf.

The spread of German surnames eventually made its way to the United States through German immigrants who settled in various parts of the country. While some immigrants chose to take on Americanized versions of their surnames, others changed their names entirely, which is likely what happened to the Schnappup surname.

The name continues to be used today and is seen as modern and unique. Those with the surname are considered as goal-oriented and confident individuals, qualities that the original Schnappup most likely possessed.

Schnappup: Where does the name Schnappup come from?

The last name Schnappup is commonly found in Germany, with records of the name existing in the country as far back as the 18th century. The current prevalence of the name generally coincides with Germany's geographical boundaries and German-speaking population.

The name Schnappup is a Germanized version of the medieval name Schman and has been found primarily in the northwestern region of Germany. It first appears in records in 1793 in a register of emigrants from Tirschenreuth, located in Bavaria. It is likely that the name was derived from a nickname for a snappy or fast-moving person, referring to the quick movement of the people or animals they took care of.

In modern Germany, the name Schnappup is still somewhat common. As of 2015, there were an estimated 3300 people with the name resident in the country. It is most commonly found in the states of Bavaria and Berlin, and is concentrated in the larger cities like Munich, Düsseldorf, and Berlin itself. The name is primarily a middle class name, with many of its bearers working in trades like carpentry or masonry.

The name Schnappup is also found in other German-speaking countries, such as Austria and Switzerland. Smaller numbers of the name are also found in the United States and Canada, where it may have been brought over by German immigrants in the later 19th century.

Variations of the surname Schnappup

The surname Schnappup is a variant spelling of the surnames Snappup, Schnapup, and Schneppup. These names are all derived from the Middle High German word "schenpen" which roughly translates to "to snap, pounce, or leap". As a result, Snappup, Schnappup, Schnapup, and Schneppup are all surnames, likely of Germanic origin, derived from the same source word "schenpen".

The spelling variation Snappup is usually found in the United States, particularly in the states of Michigan and Ohio. Schnappup is mostly found in the United States, with a smattering of families in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Schnapup and Schneppup are slightly less common, being mainly found around Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts, and West Virginia.

The surname Schnappup has morphed and shifted over time and place. Families with the surname have adopted a variety of alternative spellings in different countries; for example, in Norway, families with this surname may adopt the spelling Schnuppup. Other variant spellings can include Schnuppupp, Schnappopp, or Snappupp.

In the United States, during the 1700s, many families with the surname Schnappup changed their name to Schnupp or Schnopp. In Italy, the surname is sometimes spelled Schnippo. In France, the surname is sometimes spelled Snippo.

Variation in language likely accounts for much of the surnames derivation and subsequent spellings. Historians believe that it is drawn from the High German word “schenpen”, and this is likely true today, with some families with the surname still using the phrase “time to schenpen!” as a household rallying cry.

Famous people with the name Schnappup

• Noah Schnappup: Noah is a famous American actor known for his portrayal of Will Byers in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.
• William Schnappup: William is an accomplished musician and television-radio producer, known for his works with numerous Classical and Opera orchestras.
• Max Schnappup: Max is a professional soccer player, playing for Italian club ACF Fiorentina since 2019.
• Rachel Schnappup: Rachel is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, known for her works on comedies and rom-coms such as the Hulu Original Pook.
• Matthew Schnappup: Matthew is an accomplished comedic actor and author, best known for his leading role in the popular ABC sitcom Go Big or Go Home.
• Rita Schnappup: Rita is a famous fashion designer, known for her Haute Couture collections featured in major fashion weeks in Milan and Paris.
• Solomon Schnappup: Solomon is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, having founded his own media empire and various digital and physical publications across the globe.

Other surnames

Schnappauf