Surname Smidek - Meaning and Origin
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Smidek: What does the surname Smidek mean?
The last name Smidek is of Polish origin. It is derived from the word ‘smyki’, which means ‘foal’. It may have been used metaphorically to describe a young man of good character.
Smidek is primarily found in the area of Poznan, west central Poland. It is also common in the United States. In the 14th Century, many with the last name Smidek traveled to America and settled in the states of Illinois and Minnesota.
The Smideks were typically involved in farming and laboring in the area of their origin in Poland. This is exemplified by the inscription ‘Egidius Smidek Agrarius’, which translates from Latin to ‘Giles Smidek, farmer’, found on a military document from 1590.
The literal meaning of the word ‘smyki’, and the origin of the last name Smidek, serves as a reminder that an individual’s character holds as much importance as wealth or lineage. It is a reminder that the work of the farmer and laborer is just as valuable as the work of any other.
The Smideks carry a proud tradition of dedication and hard work, showing that an individual of character is truly the one to rely on.
Order DNA origin analysisSmidek: Where does the name Smidek come from?
The last name Smidek can be found today primarily in the United States, Poland, and Slovakia. In the United States, there are more than 1,000 people with this surname living in Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, with Wisconsin being the state with the highest concentration.
In Poland, the name is more commonly found in the Silesia region, particularly in the city of Bielsko-Biała. Here, the name Smidek is more than 140 years old and is still relatively widespread throughout the area.
In Slovakia, the name is found mainly near the border of the Czech Republic and Poland. In the cities of Bratislava, Poprad, and Spisska Nova Ves, the name Smidek is still fairly common.
In addition, the name is found in Germany, Switzerland, and parts of Canada as well. As it is simply a combination of the Slavic and Germanic words "smid" and "ecke," it has been carried to these other regions by immigrants that adopted this last name in the past.
Variations of the surname Smidek
The surname Smidek is believed to have its origin from Poland. Various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origins are used worldwide. These include Smida (Polish), Smid (Czech), Smidas (Lithuanian), Szmidt (Polish), Szmidtke (Polish), Szmedt (Polish), Schmedke/ Schmedtke (German), and Schmidke (German).
The spelling of the surname is usually determined by what language the person speaking it is familiar with. In English, Smidek is the most common spelling of the surname, whereas in German and Czech, it is more commonly spelled Schmid or Schmidke. In other languages like Polish, the surname is usually spelled Szmidt or Szmidtke.
Other alternative spellings of the surname Smidek include Smidt, Schmiedecke, Smidi, Smitting, Smidl, and Smitten. Smid and Smida are also variant forms of the surname, derived from the word “smid”, meaning blacksmith in Dutch and German.
Surnames are sometimes changed after a person immigrates to a different country. For example, the surname Smidek may be changed to Smith after a person moves to the United States or England. Other variations in the spelling of the surname may occur depending on the dialect of the language spoken in the new country.
Overall, the surname Smidek is a very common one, and has been around for centuries. Its variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origins are now used all around the world. It is a reminder of the relationships between people of different countries, backgrounds, and cultures.
Famous people with the name Smidek
1.Matthew Smidek: Time Magazine photographer 2.Jeff Smidek: American writer and CEO 3.James Smidek: American artist 4.Alicia Smidek: Notable blogger, writer and entrepreneur 5.Darin Smidek: American illustrator and graphic designer 6.Linda Smidek- Author, Speaker and Business Consultant 7.Richard Smidek: American actor 8.Joseph Smidek: retired professor of physics 9.George Smidek: American freelance nature and wildlife photographer 10.Janette Smidek: Musician, composer and soprano