Surname Smulders - Meaning and Origin
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Smulders: What does the surname Smulders mean?
The last name Smulders is an occupational surname of Dutch origin, derived from the Dutch word ‘smulderen’, which means ‘to snack on something’. The name was originally given to someone who worked in baking or food-related industries, such as a baker or a cook.
Smulders is fairly uncommon, but it is likely to have been adopted in Dutch-speaking countries and is also found in areas where Dutch immigrants settled. In the English-speaking world, it is observed mainly in the United States and Canada.
The name Smulders is associated with an industrious and cheerful personality. Those with the surname often have an entrepreneurial spirit and are creative problem solvers. They are highly driven and organized, with an eye for the best ways to accomplish tasks. They are also considered to be reliable and pluralistic, with an openness to new ideas.
The Smulders have a knack for both business and person-to-person relationships, as they prefer diversity in their surroundings. Smulders are also known for their curiosity, and they are particularly good at seeing the potential hidden in seemingly mundane objects. This resourcefulness makes them highly resilient and adaptable to change.
The last name Smulders encapsulates the traits of an innovative and reliable individual who is eager to explore the world around them. Smulders are highly organized, curious, and resilient, which has made them successful entrepreneurs and successful contributors to society.
Order DNA origin analysisSmulders: Where does the name Smulders come from?
The surname Smulders is most common in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. It is an occupational name, derived from the Dutch word "smulderen," meaning "to devour," and referring to a person who works in a bakery or mill. In the Netherlands, the region of Drimmelen has the highest concentration of the surname, while in Belgium, it is concentrated in Antwerp and Limburg.
In addition to these countries, variants of the name (Smolders, Smollers, Smolters, Smulders, Smolders, Smolderen) can be found in other European countries, including Austria, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Denmark.
In the United States, the name Smulders is typically Dutch in origin, with many descendants being found in various states. Missouri, Pennsylvania, New York, and California have the highest concentration of the surname.
The Smulders family has a long history in America, tracing their roots back to the mid-1700s when the name first appeared in Pennsylvania. From there, descendants of the original Smulders family moved west, many settling in the Midwest and attendance in Dutch Reformed Churches.
Today, the Smulders family continues to be scattered throughout both Europe and the United States for generations and likely still retains the traditional Dutch meaning of the name, “devourer”.
Variations of the surname Smulders
The surname Smulders is generally thought to originate from the Dutch word "smouter," meaning a butter merchant. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include: Smolders, Smouth, Smoots, Smouten, Smutten, Smoter, Smouther, Smothing, Smouton, Smudson, Smuth, Smutters, Smutty and Smudders.
The surname is most commonly found in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. It is particularly prevalent in Flanders and Netherlands because those regions were settled in the mid-1600s by pious Dutch dissenters. They were particularly concentrated in certain areas near Amsterdam and Utrecht. It appears that the surname made its way to other parts of Europe, North America, and Australasia during the great emigratory movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Smulders is an interesting surname with a long history. It is one of those surnames that has been carried forward over many centuries, human migrations, and political and social upheavals. It is a reminder of how human beings are the same all over the world, despite differences in language, histories, and national boundaries.
Famous people with the name Smulders
- Cobie Smulders: Canadian-American actress best known for her role as Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother and Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Hilbrand Nawijn: Dutch politician and former Minister of Immigration and Integration for the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy.
- Robert Smulders: Dutch professional footballer who played for PEC Zwolle.
- Willem Smulders: Dutch professional footballer who plays for FC Utrecht.
- Albert Smulders: Dutch race car driver who competed in the Formula One World Championship from 1950 to 1951.
- Henk Smulders: Dutch professional footballer and manager, who currently manages Sparta Nijkerk.
- Robert Smulders: Dutch professional road bicycle racer who competed in the 1911 Tour de France.
- Bart Smulders: Dutch professional cyclist, who finished 18th in the 1949 Tour de France.
- Willem Smulders: Dutch politician and a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal party.
- Gerrit-Jan Smulders: Dutch professional footballer who currently plays for Helmond Sport.