Surname von Schmidt - Meaning and Origin
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von Schmidt: What does the surname von Schmidt mean?
The last name von Schmidt is a German-origin surname that translates to “of Schmidt”. It is a habitational name, meaning someone that is from an area called Schmidt. Originally, habitational surnames or ancestral places could indicate a family’s place of origin. Over time, these types of surnames became a way of distinguishing families with the same given name.
The prefix “von” (meaning “of”) is associated with a more noble or affluent background. This prefix is reserved for individuals of the upper classes, while those of lower classes used the prefix “von der”. In the past, “von” was used to show either nobility or landownership. Thus, the last name von Schmidt could indicate a family with an esteemed or respected background.
Von Schmidt can also be used in the context of a business or professional name. For example, a doctor might use the name von Schmidt in their doctor’s office. A company might use the name to advertise its origins or highlight a particular aspect of their products. In this context, the name could indicate quality or prestige.
The last name von Schmidt is most likely to be found in central and southern Germany, where there are numerous locations known as Schmidt. Despite the frequency of the name in Germany, it has spread to other parts of the world, including parts of Europe, the United States and Canada.
In general, the name von Schmidt symbolizes an ancestral connection to a particular geographic location, links to an esteemed background, or an indication of quality in a business or professional context.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Schmidt: Where does the name von Schmidt come from?
The last name von Schmidt is most commonly found in Germany and its surrounding countries today, particularly in the northern and central regions of the country. It is a common surname among the Germanic population in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway, as well as other areas of central and northern Europe.
Von Schmidt is believed to have originated in present day Germany and was first found in the region of Oldenburg in the 13th century. It is likely derived from the Old German words ‘schmidt’, meaning smith or craftsmen and the particle ‘von’ which denotes a landed class of people.
The von Schmidt family has acted asva a source of prominent members of society throughout the centuries. In Germany, hundreds of positions in academia, government, and professional services have been filled by those with the von Schmidt surname. Members have also gone on to pursue important roles in military and religious services, and other national leadership positions.
Outside of Germanic countries with large populations of von Schmidt descendants, the surname is less common. Although, in recent years, German immigration to the US (especially from the mid 1800s onwards) has increased the presence of von Schmidt in the US. Similarly, German speaking migrations to countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia have added to the spread of von Schmidt.
Variations of the surname von Schmidt
The surname von Schmidt is a variation of the German patronymic surname originating from the personal names `Schmied' or `Schmidt'. The most common variant of this surname is Schmidt, but there is also the alternative spelling of Smyth. The additional name variants of von Schmidt include:
• Schmiedt: a German surname derived from the German word ‘schmied’ meaning ‘smith’.
• Schnieder: a German surname derived from the Middle High German word ‘schneider’ meaning ‘tailor’.
• Schmitt: a German surname derived from the Low German word ‘schmidt’ meaning ‘ Smith’.
• Schmieder: a German surname derived from the Middle High German word ‘schmied’ meaning ‘smith’.
• Smith: a surname derived from the common English language word ‘smith’, which was brought over to England by the Anglo-Saxons.
• Smyth: a surname derived from the Middle English word ‘smyth’, which was also brought over to England by the Anglo-Saxons.
• Smeets: a Dutch surname derived from the Dutch word ‘smeden’ meaning ‘smith’.
• Smit: a Dutch surname derived from the Dutch word ‘smid’ meaning ‘smith’.
• Schmid: a German surname derived from the Low German word ‘schmidt’ meaning ‘smith’.
• Schmitz: a German surname derived from the Low German word ‘schmid’ meaning ‘smith’.
• Schmieden: a German surname derived from the German word ‘schmieden’ meaning ‘to forge’.
• Schneeden: a German surname derived from the German word ‘schneiden’ meaning ‘to cut’.
Overall, the surname von Schmidt can be found in its primary form, as well as in many other spelling variants. Some of these variants are derived from German, Dutch, Middle High German, Middle English and Low German words that all relate to the occupation of a smith.
Famous people with the name von Schmidt
- Jean Charles von Schimdt: a French businessman and politician who worked in the early 1820s. He was notable for helping create the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1822.
- Karl von Schimdt: a German chemist who lived in the mid-19th century. He was noted for his contributions to organic chemistry, focusing on the extraction of oil from crude.
- Johann von Schimdt: a German composer and pianist in the 19th century. His most famous works include "White Rose" and "Song of the Bells".
- Christian Friedrich von Schimdt: a German poet and writer in the early 1800s. He wrote many poems and pieces focused on the beauty of nature.
- Heinrich von Schimdt: a German diplomat in the 19th century. He was instrumental in negotiations between Prussia and the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt in the 1820s.
- Ernest von Schimdt: a German biologist in the mid-20th century. He was noted for his research in the field of evolutionary theory and for developing the Schimdt-Kopetzky rule which is still used today.
- Friedrich von Schimdt: a German botanist, zoologist, and naturalist in the 19th century. He was an important figure in the founding of the Leipzig Zoo in 1835.
- Carl von Schimdt: a German geologist and paleontologist in the 19th century. He was known for his research in evolution, extending Darwin's theories and introducing concepts such as natural selection.
- Victor von Schimdt: a German imam and theologian in the early 20th century. He was a leader in the Islamic movement and a proponent of liberal Islamic thought.
- Gustav Adolf von Schimdt: a German military officer in the 19th century. He was noted for his role in leading Prussian troops during the German-Danish War of 1864 and received numerous honors for his efforts.