Surname Smelger - Meaning and Origin
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Smelger: What does the surname Smelger mean?
The last name Smelger is of German origin and is part of a larger group of surnames derived from the given name "Schmelger." The name Schmelger is a variation of the Middle High German words “smeligen,” which mean “to soil,” and “ger,” which means “spear.” So, the literal translation of the surname Smelger is “Soiled/Dirtied Spear.”
This surname likely originated as a nickname or sign of courage for a brave warrior who soiled his spear in the heat of a battle. In some cases, the name may also have been bestowed on someone who was a beater of metal weapons–the forging process could have soiled and blackened the tools at times.
The presence of the surname today is likely due to some combination of these two origins. That said, its most common appearances can be found in German states, as well as Austria, Sweden, and parts of the United States, including the states of Delaware, Iowa, and Maryland.
Today, the surname Smelger is a proud reminder of the courage, strength, and resourcefulness of those who bore this name in the past. Whether the nickname was given for a feat of bravery in battle or as a sign of expertise at metalworking, the very nature of the surname speaks to its bearer's courage, strength, and skill.
Order DNA origin analysisSmelger: Where does the name Smelger come from?
The last name Smelger is most commonly found in the United States, particularly Pennsylvania and Ohio. Records from the 19th century show that the Smelger family was one of the first generations of settlers in the mid-west, originating from Germany. Today, the name is found throughout the United States, but is commonly seen in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.
The Smelger name is derived from the old German word "smelen", which means to produce a smell or odor. It has been suggested that the name may have been used to describe an individual who marketed or sold fragrant items.
Smelgers tend to be independent people who are driven to succeed. Many Smelgers have become successful entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders. They are known to work hard and show great integrity in their relationships and endeavors.
The Smelger surname is something of a rarity today, with very few of them left in the United States. However, its legacy lives on in the many successful Smelgers that are still active in the global economy.
Variations of the surname Smelger
The surname Smelger (or Smelgar, Smelgor, Smelgur, Smelger, Smulger, Schmelgert, Schmelgar etc.) has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is a variation of an Old German surname, which is derived from the word “smelge” meaning “mill” or “mill wheel.” This suggests that the original bearer of the surname may have had a milling profession.
This theory is supported by the variation of the surname in Low German, which is Schmölzer, and in Old Dutch, which is Smulder. In the modern forms of German, the surname is most commonly spelled Schmölzer or Schmölde.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, some variants of Smelger have other spellings which are otherwise used in different countries. In Dutch, the surname is spelled Smits. In the United States, there is the surname Schmulker. In Poland, the spelling is Szmelker. In Spain, it is Schmalberger.
These variants also have additional surnames which are directly related, or derived from them. In Dutch, there is the surname Småker. In the United States, there is Smolder. In Poland, there is Szambölker. In Spain, it is Schmalbürger. These spellings and surnames all derive from the same source and ultimately reflect the same history and origin of the Smelger surname.
Famous people with the name Smelger
- Christine Smelger: is a managing director and the COO at Kleiner Perkins, a major Silicon Valley venture capital firm.
- Stephen Smelger: is an American attorney and philanthropist. He is the former Chief Executive Officer of LFG Investment Management.
- Joseph Smelger: is an American philosopher and professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of South Alabama.
- Harold Smelger: is an American actor, best known for his roles in films such as Primal Fear (1996) and ghost World (2001).
- Anthony Smelger: is an American artist and installation sculptor. He is the co-founder and artistic director of Smelger Studio.
- Ed Smelger: is an American computer programmer and entrepreneur, best known for being the founder and president of Eds Smelger Software, an upstart IT company that specialized in collaboration tools for the healthcare industry.
- Margot Smelger: is a Canadian-born actress, who is best known for her work in the television series Catastrophe (2015–2017).
- John Smelger: is a Canadian character actor, best known for his roles in films such as Oxygen (1997), Capote (2005), and Good Neighbours (2010).
- H. Crane Smelger: was a prominent industrialist and business leader in Los Angeles in the 1930s and 1940s. He founded several companies, including Smelger Machine Work and A. Weiler Corporation.
- Sarah Smelger: is an American fashion blogger and entrepreneur. She runs a lifestyle blog, called Sarcastic Spectator, which covers topics such as fashion, entertainment, travel, food, and more.