Surname Smelsur - Meaning and Origin
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Smelsur: What does the surname Smelsur mean?
The last name Smelsur is of Germanic origin and has several possible interpretations. Some believe the name could be derived from the German for "smith," as in an individual skilled in metalworking. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Flemish word "smelen," meaning "to smelt," or the Dutch word "smalen," meaning "to sift."
The most common interpretation is that the name is derived from the Old High German word "smalz" meaning "an alloy," or metal composed of two or more metals, such as brass, bronze or tin. This suggests that the original bearer of the name was likely a craftsman or metalworker who either created alloys from raw materials or worked with existing alloys for artistic or decorative purposes. In either case, the surname likely points to a history of skilled metalworking and craftsmanship, and hints at an individual with an artistic eye and a keen understanding of composition and symmetry.
Order DNA origin analysisSmelsur: Where does the name Smelsur come from?
The surname Smelsur is most common in the United States, especially in the states of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
The surname likely originated in the greater Scandinavian region, as many families with the name emigrated to the US in the 19th and early 20th century. Even today, the surname is closely associated with Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish heritage within the United States.
In the US, census records suggest that the median frequency of the surname Smelsur across the country is 0.0001%. This means that the surname is quite rare, and individuals with the name are likely to stand out within the general population.
However, its frequency is significantly greater in certain states like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. In Iowa, where the concentration of Scandinavian immigrants was greater than most other states, the surname Smelsur is six times more common, with the median frequency being 0.0006%. The states of Wisconsin and Minnesota have median frequencies of 0.0002% and 0.0003%, respectively, for this name.
Overall, although the surname Smelsur is relatively rare in the United States, its concentration is greater in parts of the country with a higher Scandinavian population. In those states, it is more likely for individuals with the last name Smelsur to come across other people with the same surname.
Variations of the surname Smelsur
The surname Smelsur has several variants, including Smelcer, Smelser, Smelzer, Smelcer, Smelcer, Smelcer, Smelcer, Smelcer, and Smelcer. It is also spelled various ways such as Smelsour, Smelcer, Smelcsur, Smelker, Smellzer, Smelzer, and Smelyzer.
The Smelsur surname likely has a German origin. It is a combination of two Middle High German words, "smel" and "sûr," that together form a compound noun that means clod-breaker. This surname gives us a glimpse into the heritage of those who adopted it, as it originated from an agricultural term referencing hard work in the fields.
The term Smelsur is also associated with a range of variations such as Smelster, Smolster, Smoltzer, and Smolter. These spellings are similar in form and likely derived from the same root. The name Smolster is found associated more in western Germany and The Netherlands.
In addition to its variants, the Smelsur surname is also related to several other surnames. Simel and Semel are surnames found in Russia and Germany. The surname Sammser exists in Sweden, Smelsar in Slovakia, Smelzinder in Holland, and Smelser in England.
Overall, the surname Smelsur is an indication of an agricultural background, likely of German origin. It has multiple variants and spellings, as well as several related surnames.
Famous people with the name Smelsur
- Dennis Smelsur, former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Robert Smelsur, American Actor
- Barry Smelsur, American football player
- Erin Smelsur, American soccer player
- David Smelsur, American football player
- Jean Smelsur, Canadian country, blues, and folk singer-songwriter
- Fred Smelsur, American Tee Ball coach
- Alan Smelsur, American swimmer
- Joshua Smelsur, American cross-country runner
- Tony Smelsur, American weightlifter
- Laura Smelsur, British swimmer