Surname Smelzer - Meaning and Origin

Smelzer: What does the surname Smelzer mean?

The surname Smelzer is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "Smelzen", which means "to melt". Therefore, Smelzer can be associated with a profession or occupation where metal melting was the primary job task. It suggests that the ancestors bearing this surname likely worked in such professions, related to blacksmithing, foundry work, or metallurgy. Individuals with this surname could have been blacksmiths, metal refiners, or were involved in similar roles in medieval German societies. It's important to note that many surnames originated from professions in the past, and the Smelzer surname is one such example. The exact geography of its origin is not specified but likely pertains to areas where Germanic languages were spoken. However, like many surnames, it has spread to various parts of the world due to migration over centuries.

Smelzer: Where does the name Smelzer come from?

The last name Smelzer is most commonly found in the United States. According to the US Census of 2020, it is estimated that there are just over 3,000 Americans with the last name Smelzer. The top three states with the highest numbers of Smelzer's living in them are Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Ohio has the highest number of Smelzer's living there with an estimated 1,063 individuals with that surname. Pennsylvania is next with around 580 Smelzer's. Michigan is third with about 530 people having the Smelzer last name.

In terms of overall population density, the highest concentration of Smelzer's can be found in the Midwest region of the United States. More specifically, states such as Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky are all home to major concentrations of people with this surname.

Outside the United States, the last name Smelzer is also fairly common in the countries of Luxembourg and Germany. This is likely due to German immigrants that arrived in the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Luxembourg, nearly 300 people carry the Smelzer last name, while Germany houses around 500 people with that same name.

Overall, the last name Smelzer is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the Midwest region of the country. It is also fairly common in Luxembourg and Germany, likely due to large numbers of German immigrants to those countries and the United States.

Variations of the surname Smelzer

The surname Smelzer has several variations depending on the branch of the family and location. One of the most common spellings is Smelzer, found commonly in Germany and in the countries that make up the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In the United States, the variant Smehlser has been used, likely due to incorrect Americanization of the spelling. The surnames Smelser, Smelczer, and Smelzre are also found, particularly in Eastern Europe, most likely due to the reality that there was no standardization of spellings until relatively recently.

In Germany, more specific spellings include Smeltzer, Smeltzerin, Smeltz, Smeltzke, Smeltzik, Smelseri, and Smelserin.

Surnames with similar origins, such as Schmeltzer and Schmeitzner, are also found in Germany and in parts of Central and Eastern Europe. These surnames are likely derived ultimately from the Middle High German smelz, which means 'veneer.'

In short, the surname Smelzer has many variations across locations and branches. However, the surnames all share a common origin from either the Middle High German smelz or a modern variation of the spelling.

Famous people with the name Smelzer

• Lucille Smelzer: an American choreographer and jazz instructor.
• Sandra Smelzer: an American actress who has appeared in a number of television shows and films such as The Practice, Judging Amy, and Providence.
• Melissa Smelzer: an American R&B/Soul singer-songwriter that also produces her own music.
• Ronald Smelzer: an American professional hockey player that played for both the New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
• Brooke Smelzer: an American actress and movie producer who is most famous for her roles in films such as The Big Wedding, Runaway Bride, and (500) Days of Summer.
• Frank Smelzer: an American chemist and professor who was a member of the United States National Academy of Sciences.
• Steven Smelzer: an American physician and author of several books such as Killer Bugs, Common Sense Health Care, and Cardiac Catheterization Handbook.
• Stephen Smelzer: an American comedian, writer, and actor best known for his appearances on The Jack Benny Program and The Steve Allen Show.
• Nora Smelzer: an American will-known make-up artist and beauty consultant who has worked with a number of celebrities.
• Lawrence Smelzer: an American military General who served during the Korean War and later as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

Other surnames

Smelzar