Surname Szammetat - Meaning and Origin
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Szammetat: What does the surname Szammetat mean?
The last name Szammetat is derived from the Old German words sache - meaning "sack," and magil - meaning "measurer or weigher." It is a toponymic name referring to someone from a place named "Sack Measurer."
The original toponymic surname Szammetat is believed to have originated from the Rhineland-Palatinate region in Germany, where it could be seen as early as the 14th century. This region was heavily affected by the Thirty Years' War, leading to population decline and exodus in the region, and the surname can now be found across Germany, Austria, and Eastern European countries.
Szammetat has several variant spellings, including Sammetat, Sommetat, and Sammet. These variants are likely the result of various dialects and borders being crossed throughout the migratory process.
The surname likely indicated someone who was a measurer or appraiser of sacks of grain, referring to a feudal title. In a time when records were scarce, names like Szammetat performed the role of labeling families and groups of people, giving them a sense of identity and belonging.
Therefore, the surname Szammetat is a reflection of its Germanic heritage, indicating a time of great turbulence and change. Its original meaning has been adopted and adapted over the years, now referring to individuals far and wide, which is a testament to its ancient roots.
Order DNA origin analysisSzammetat: Where does the name Szammetat come from?
The surname Szammetat is a German-language family name that is most common in Germany today. It is believed to have its roots in the Old Germanic and Middle High German words “samm” and “meit” which, together, can refer to someone who is tall, thin and/or slender.
Szammetat is a relatively uncommon surname, even in Germany, with just about 10,000 people using it today. The largest concentration of Szammetat-named individuals is found in the German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria (around 5,500 people), and in Berlin (around 2,400 people). Outside of Germany, the surname can be found in small numbers in Austria, Switzerland, France, and the United States.
The surname is also used in other countries; for example, Poland has around a thousand people with the name Szammetat, with most concentrated in Pomerania, Lubuskie, and Silesia, and a small number in Masovia. The surname is almost non-existent in other Slavic countries, though.
Szammetat is rarely used as a first name, though variants like Sammetat, Sametat, and Sammietat are sometimes seen. In modern times, the surname is still seen on German civil documents, such as birth certificates and identification cards. It is often seen written in its shorter form, Sammetat.
Variations of the surname Szammetat
The surname Szammetat is of German descent and can be found in various spellings like Schammetat, Shammetat, Schamettat, Shamettat, or Szammetat. It is commonly found across western Germany and is believed to have originated in ancient Rhineland-Palatine. The earliest known records of this name dates back to 1662 when this surname was adopted by a German farmer.
The name is composed of two elements – “Scham” meaning “talk” and “Metat” meaning “to share.” Combined, the meaning of the name implies participation in verbal exchange. It’s possible that this was a name given to a priest of some kind, as it is quite common for families in the past to give their children names that have a spiritual or religious meaning.
A few variants of the Szammetat include Schamett, Schamet, and Schamete. Variations may be due to dialects or regional eccentricities. The spelling “Szammetat” is the most common form, however, as it is the version used in Germany today.
It is also possible that this name was adopted by someone who had German heritage but was born outside of Germany. This could account for the alternate spellings of Schamettat, Shammetat, and Shamettat. In some cases, the “Sz” would have been replaced with a “Sh” or “Ch” as this spelling is more common in English speaking countries.
In summary, the surname Szammetat is of German origin and can be found in various forms, including Schammetat, Shammetat, Schamettat, Shamettat, Schamet, Schamete, and Szammetat. All variations of this name are believed to have the same origin and meaning, indicating a participation in verbal exchange.
Famous people with the name Szammetat
- Zoltan Szammetat: Zoltan Szammetat is a professional basketball player. He played in the Hungarian Basketball League and is currently playing for the Basket 92 Euro-Bow team in Hungary.
- Luisa Szammetat: Luisa Szammetat is an Austrian make-up artist and fashion designer. She is known for her avant-garde style, often combining colors and textures for an edgy yet sophisticated look.
- Katalin Szammetat: Katalin Szammetat is a Hungarian concert pianist whose career spans across several decades. Known for her passionate energy on the piano, she has performed at some of the most prestigious international music festivals.
- Lukasz Szammetat: Lukasz Szammetat is a Polish cyclist and former champion of Tour de Pologne U-23. His career has seen him become a part of several high-level races, such as the Giro d'Italia and Tour de Suisse.
- Elżbieta Szammetat: Elżbieta Szammetat is a Polish photographer, specializing in portrait and documentary photography. Her work has graced the covers of magazines and filled the pages of various publications.
- Istvan Szammetat: Istvan Szammetat is a Hungarian politician and the incumbent mayor of Budapest. He was elected in 2019 and is the first mayor from the opposition to be elected in a decade.
- Johanna Szammetat: Johanna Szammetat is an Austrian actress. She is best known for her roles in the television series Pilotinnen and the film Vienna Waits for You.
- Bruno Szammetat: Bruno Szammetat is a French astronomer and astrophysicist. He has authored multiple books on astronomy and stars, and his works often feature on the bestseller lists.