Surname Smola - Meaning and Origin
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Smola: What does the surname Smola mean?
The last name Smola is of Czech and Slovak origin and is derived from the word smola, which means ‘dark, slimy liquid’. This is likely a reference to what was once a common occupation among those who held this name. In Castle and Medieval Czech, people who extracted or traded tar, pitch, and other similar substances were known as Smolar or Smolny (‘those who work with smola’).
This most likely referred to people who worked in a tar or pitch-making profession such as basket weaving, roofing, caulk-sealing, or waterproofing. These products were highly sought after by the nobility due to their use in woodworking and the need for waterproofing. Tarring was a common practice among the nobility who used it to weather-proof items such as wooden barrels and boats. Pitch was an incredibly important material used to waterproof ropes and rigging.
Given the context of its etymology, the last name Smola can likely be interpreted as referring to someone who was involved in the production or trade of substances such as tar and pitch. It’s possible that the name was once closely associated with woodworking and boatbuilding, and those who bore this name could be proud of its origins.
Order DNA origin analysisSmola: Where does the name Smola come from?
The last name Smola is most commonly found in countries in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland, Slovakia, and Czech Republic, and former territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This is because the name Smola is likely derived from the Polish root word (s)móła meaning “mulch” or “peat”, which was used to refer to someone from a farming background.
Smola is also found in uncommon concentrations in the United States and Canada, primarily in the states of New York, Illinois, Kentucky, Australia, and New Zealand. This can be due to the fact that many people with this name in Eastern Europe immigrated to these countries due to socio-economic reasons after World War II.
The spelling of the surname Smola has also evolved over time, this includes variations such as Smolka, Smolek, and Smolen. As a result, an individual researching the presence of their family name in various countries may face difficulties due to altered spellings.
Overall, the last name Smola is most commonly found in Central and Eastern European countries, however, it is also present in smaller parts of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand due to immigration from this region.
Variations of the surname Smola
The surname Smola is of Czech and Slavic origin and first appeared in Czech and Slovak records in the 18th century. It translates to mean “a small hill” or “a mound”. In Slovakia, the spelling is usually Smoľa, while in the Czech Republic it is usually spelled Smoła, Smola or Szmola. The surname is also found in Poland as Szmola, Smola, and Smoła or Smołka. In Germany, it is usually found spelled as Smoll or Smolle.
Variations of the surname Smola are mainly found in Eastern Europe, and include Smölle, Smoła, Smól, Smulka, Smolka, Smole, Szmola, Szmulka, Smölka, Smollo, Smolna, and Smolko. The Italian variants of the surname are Smolla and Smolli, while in French it is Smolle.
In the United States, the most common variant spelling of the surname Smola is Smola. Variations of the surname found in the United States include Smolka, Smolle, Smole, Smolla, and Smolko.
The surname Smola is also found across other parts of Europe and the world. In Hungary, it is spelled as Szmola or Szmolka, and in Austria it is commonly spelled Smolla or Smola. Variants of the surname Smola have also been found in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Latvia, where it is usually spelled as Смола, Смо́ла, Szmole, Szmolek, Szmola or Szmolka.
Famous people with the name Smola
- Peter Smola: German politician and member of the Bundestag
- Rakan Smola: Professional soccer player from Kuwait
- Attila Smola: Hungarian singer, songwriter and producer
- Richard Smola: Czech road bicycle racer
- Viktor Smola: Professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic
- Ari Smola: Israeli singer-songwriter and musical director
- Joe Smola: American former college and professional football player
- Adam Smola: Czech football manager
- Marco Smola: Italian professional football coach
- Jakub Smola: Czech footballer