Surname Smultzer - Meaning and Origin
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Smultzer: What does the surname Smultzer mean?
The last name Smultzer is derived from the German word “schmoltz” which means “having a smooth or creamy consistency”. The name is likely derived from occupation, as Schmoltz was a common term for a baker who makes “Schmaltz Brot”, a type of soft, buttery bread. The name would have been given to someone who was a baker, likely producing the soft breads.
The Smultzer name has spread across the world, and there are now Smultzer families in America, Canada, Germany, and many other places. It is especially popular in Pennsylvania due to the large number of settlers from Germany that emigrated there during the 1800s, taking the name with them.
The Smultzer name carries with it the idea of delicacy, of being able to make something soft and creamy. Today, many Smultzers are bakers, continuing the tradition of their ancestors by making smooth, delicious treats. The ability to create something light and tasty is at the heart of the Smultzer family, and the name continues to be an important source of pride for the family that bears it.
Order DNA origin analysisSmultzer: Where does the name Smultzer come from?
The last name Smultzer is not common today, but it does appear in various places around the world. It is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the state of Pennsylvania. The name is of German origin, and was likely brought to the United States by immigrants from Germany. It is also found in Canada, Austria, the Netherlands, England, Ireland, Australia, and even as far away as South Africa.
In the United States, records of the name Smultzer date back to the late 1700s when John Smultzer arrived in Philadelphia from Germany. Since then, the name has spread throughout the country and is mostly limited to states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and California.
There appears to be no clear origin of the name besides its German roots, although some people speculate the name was derived from the Old Dutch word "smerkelz," which was a type of dresser. It is possible that an ancestor of the family was a carpenter or woodworker of some kind and the name could have been given to him at that time.
Today, the name Smultzer is not as widespread as it once was. However, it can still be found in various locations throughout the world. The name is likely to remain because of its unique German origin, which is still present in many families.
Variations of the surname Smultzer
The surname Smultzer is believed to have its origin in either the Low German or German Oceanic region. It is derived from the old Low German word "smolt," meaning small, which was used as a nickname for someone of short stature.
Possibly related variations are Smolzer, Smolze, Smoltzer, Smöltzer, Smoltz, Smolz, Smoltzove, Schmaltz, and Smolts.
The letter “o” and “ö” are interchangeable in spelling for this name in many parts of Germany. Derivatives of the name include Smoltsoff, Smoltsav, Smoltsov, Smoltson, Smoltsonov, Thisoff, and Thisoffson.
In Pennsylvania, the surname appears to derive from the English Smeltzer, and is spelled Smeltzer or Smaltzer.
In the Dutch language, the name is written as Smultenaar or Smulders.
In the eastern parts of Germany, Smultzer is spelled as Smoltzke, Smoltske, Smolzke, and Smollzke.
In North German regions such as Hanover, the variations may include Smulthoff, Smulthauffen, Smultnoff, Smulthäuser, Smulthausen, and Smultenius.
In Sweden, the name is commonly spelled as Smulter and Smuller.
Many of these surname variations evolved from either an adoption of this particular name or a locational origin, such as the name Smoltzoff, a derivative from the city of Smaltzofen, located near Fulda and Schmalkalden in the Black Forest region of Germany.
In all likelihood, Smultzer is likely derived from the word Smult, which is a Low German term for a small, table-shaped container or boat, often used for fishing.
It is also possible that the name may derive from the Middle Dutch word "smulten," meaning to fish with a basket-shaped trap.
Overall, the surname Smultzer and its variations are believed to have multiple origins and purposes around the world, with the most common variation likely being based upon the size of the individual in the Low German language.
Famous people with the name Smultzer
- Benjamin Smultzer: Former professional basketball player for the Juve Caserta of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A.
- Conrad Smultzer: American entrepreneur, technology executive, and investor from Merrillville, Indiana.
- David Smultzer: Former professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour.
- Jared Smultzer: Professional surfer who competed on the World Surf League Championship Tour.
- John Smultzer: Former professional soccer player who represented the United States on the international level.
- Jordan Smultzer: Award-winning opera singer and composer who studied at The Juilliard School.
- Kevin Smultzer: Freestyle BMX rider who is a six-time World Cup Champion.
- Lorraine Smultzer: Professional dancer who has performed and toured with multiple dance companies.
- Marty Smultzer: Professional rodeo competitor who was inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s Rodeo Hall of Fame.
- Richard Smultzer: Actor and stand-up comedian who has appeared in multiple films, television shows, and comedy specials.