Surname Smelser - Meaning and Origin
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Smelser: What does the surname Smelser mean?
The surname Smelser is of occupational origin and it is believed to be derived from the tasks and professions that the original bearers of the name practiced. It is possible that Smelser originates from the English word 'smelter', suggesting that the initial bearers of this surname were likely employed in smelting - the process of extracting a metal (like iron or copper) from its ore. This would classify the name as a metonymic surname, which refers to the main occupation of the original bearers. Since these types of last names were often passed down from generation to generation, someone with the surname Smelser today may not necessarily be involved in smelting, but it may imply their ancestors were. Lastly, as surname distribution and spelling changed significantly over history due to factors like migration and literacy levels, other variants of this surname may exist.
Order DNA origin analysisSmelser: Where does the name Smelser come from?
The surname Smelser is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the US Census Bureau, there were a total of 794 individuals with the last name Smelser living in the US as of 2018. The highest concentration of individuals with the Smelser surname live in Missouri, where approximately 167 individuals with that last name reside. This is followed by Ohio, with about 106 individuals with the Smelser surname living in the state.
In addition to the US, the name Smelser is also found in Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. In Canada, there were a total of 14 individuals with the Smelser surname living there as of 2018. In India, the surname is mainly found in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The United Kingdom had a total of 11 individuals with the Smelser surname living in the country as of 2018.
Ultimately, today the surname Smelser is most widely found in the United States, but can also be found in other countries such as Canada, India, and the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Smelser
The surname Smelser is derived from the Dutch word “smelen”, meaning to smelt or purify by fire. This surname is most common in Germany and among German immigrants to the United States.
Variant spellings of the Smelser surname include Smelzer, Smileser, Schmeiseler, Schmeisser, Smaler, Smalzer, and Smelcer.
The surname is also commonly found in the form of the longer names, such as Smelser-Schaefer or Smelser-Dietz, as well as several other spelling variations.
The Smelser surname also has a number of variant surnames that are shared with other common, similar surnames. These variants include Smeltzer, Schmeltzer, Schmeltzer, Schmeltzerin, Smelker, Schmülzer, Melser, Spieler, Mälzer, Moesseler, and Mösseler.
In addition, the surname Smelser is found spelled in various ways in different countries. Some examples of the alternate spellings of Smelser that are used in other countries include Smeltseer in the Netherlands, Szmylser in Poland, Zmijszer in Czech Republic, and Smilser in Russia.
Ultimately, the Smelser surname has many variant spellings, often depending on the country of origin, as well as other surnames of a similar origin, such as Melser, Spieler, and Moesseler.
Famous people with the name Smelser
- Gary Smelser: a popular American cinematographer who has worked on many well-known films such as Wanted and Iron Man.
- Mike Smelser: an American professional golfer who has won several tournaments.
- Derek Smelser: an American indie pop singer-songwriter who currently tours with The Lumineers.
- Paul Smelser: an American architect who designed various projects in the San Francisco area.
- Holland Smelser: an American artist who paints abstract landscapes and is a member of the New York Academy of Art.
- Jeff Smelser: a former professional baseball player who was an All-Star in 1983.
- Frank Smelser: an American historian who wrote about World War II and German political history.
- Sam Smelser: an American entrepreneur and CEO of Smelser Construction Company.
- Thomas Smelser: an American actor who has appeared in films such as Hellboy and The Patriot.
- Ira Smelser: an American government official who was the Chairman of the Board of Regents for the University of Michigan.