Surname Schoemakers - Meaning and Origin

Schoemakers: What does the surname Schoemakers mean?

The last name Schoemakers is a Dutch surname derived from the Middle Dutch occupational term “schoemaker,” meaning “shoemaker” or “cobbler.” The original spelling was Schoenmakers, which simply means “shoe maker" or “person who makes shoes.” In the early 19th century, the spelling was changed to Schoemakers— likely due to phonetic evolutions of pronunciation.

The surname Schoemakers is derived from the Old German word “schoen,” which means “shoe.” Thus, Schoemakers literally refers to a person who makes shoes and belongs to a long tradition of cobblers and leatherworkers throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. There are numerous spellings of shoemaker-based surnames found in Dutch records, including Shoenmakers, Shoenmaker, Schoenmaker, and Schoenmakers.

In many Dutch towns the sign of a cobbler’s workshop displayed a wooden shoe hanging outside. In the 17th century, some of these trade signs and symbols were adopted as a family crest or coat of arms. Today, there are still some historic shoemaker's workshops in the Netherlands — some of which still bear the Schoemakers coat of arms.

Schoemakers is a historic Dutch surname, suggesting that its bearer once belonged to a long line of cobblers and leatherworkers— a profession dating back centuries. It is a reflection of the continuing legacy of craftsmanship, quality and skill that has been handed down and continues to be passed on through generations of Schoemakers.

Schoemakers: Where does the name Schoemakers come from?

The last name Schoemakers is most commonly found in places where Dutch and German populations are concentrated. It is especially common in Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, South Africa, and Canada.

In The Netherlands, Schoemakers is the 102nd most popular family name and is found throughout the country, most densely in the southwest. This is most likely due to strong regional immigration patterns over the past few centuries in the Netherlands.

In Belgium, Schoemakers is the 243rd most popular surname. It is concentrated in Flanders, especially in the provinces of East and West Flanders.

In Germany, the name is found primarily in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Beefland, and Lower Saxony.

In France, the name is found throughout the country, although it is more common in northern and eastern areas.

In South Africa, there are numerous people with the given name Schoemakers throughout the country with a concentration in the Western Cape and Gauteng.

In Canada, the name is most common in Ontario but can also be found in British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec.

Overall, the name Schoemakers is common in places where Dutch and German populations are concentrated. The particularities of regional immigration patterns determine the density of the name’s presence in each of these regions.

Variations of the surname Schoemakers

The surname Schoemakers originates from the Middle Dutch dialect word 'schoemaker' , meaning 'shoemaker', and was likely first adopted by someone in the trade of shoemaking.

Variant spellings of Schoemakers include Schoemaker, Schoeymakers, Schoemakers, Schoeymaker, and Schoemakerr.

The surnames Smid, Smits, and Smeedemakers all have the same origin as Schoemakers, though their meanings vary slightly from 'shoemaker'. Smid is a term derived from Dutch for 'blacksmith', Smits is derived from German for 'Smith', and Smeedemakers is derived from the dialect term 'smeed' for a 'hammer smith'.

Other related surnames include Schmitt, Schmiesser, Schmeitzner, and Schmeiser. Schmitt and Schmiesser are German variants of 'smith', Schmeitzner is derived from German dialect for 'hammer smith', and Schmeiser is derived from the German dialect terms 'schmeißen' for 'to hammer' and 'schmid' for 'smith'.

The surnames Cappiello, Scarpelli, Vettore, and Scarpellini all have an Italian origin, as they are derived from the Latin term 'Scapularius' meaning 'shoemaker'.

Finally, the surname Duhig may also have its origin from Schoemakers as it is derived from the Irish term 'dubh-eag' for 'blacksmith or shoemaker'.

Famous people with the name Schoemakers

• Spinnekop Schoemakers (alias Spinnekop Schoeremaker): Dutch DJ and music producer
• Kees Schoemakers: Dutch sculptor
• Miguel Schoemakers: Spanish footballer
• Jan Schoemakers: Dutch architect
• C.F. Otto Schoemakers: Dutch journalist, politician and writer
• Thijs Schoemakers: Dutch water polo player
• Peter Schoemakers: Dutch painter
• Ivo Schoemakers: Dutch philosopher
• Klaas Schoemakers: Dutch track cyclist
• Joost Schoemakers: Dutch former professional football player
• Dick Schoemakers: Dutch professional basketball player
• Sam Schoemakers: Dutch former professional football manager
• Sander Schoemakers: Dutch basketball coach
• Piet Schoemakers: Dutch former professional football player
• Pierre Schoemakers: Dutch professional drummer
• Roger Schoemakers: Dutch former professional football player
• Dirk Schoemakers: Dutch former professional football player
• Jan Schoemakers: Dutch former professional football player
• Anton Schoemakers: Dutch former professional football player
• Jurgen Schoemakers: Dutch former professional football player

Other surnames

Schoemaker