Surname Schemp - Meaning and Origin
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Schemp: What does the surname Schemp mean?
The last name Schemp is of German origin and is derived from the German word ‘schäm’, meaning ‘shame’. Historically, the name was most prevalent in areas of Germany such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It was most commonly used as a personal name to indicate that the bearer had endured humiliation or shame for some reason.
The name is still in use in many parts of the world today, mostly by descendants of German immigrants who settled in other countries. In the United States, many individuals with the name Schemp have a family history of early immigration, often originating in Prussia.
In more modern times, Schemp has become a popular name no longer connected to its German origin. Generally, it is known to be an uncommon but strong-sounding name that exudes a sense of ancestry, honor, and pride. For many people, it is seen as a source of legacy and distinction.
People with the surname Schemp tend to be strong-willed individuals who will go to great lengths to protect and provide for their family and friends. They are often generous and loyal people who put great importance on personal responsibility. While they can be set in their ways and hard to sway, they are also unconventional thinkers and can have a great sense of humor.
Order DNA origin analysisSchemp: Where does the name Schemp come from?
The last name Schemp is most commonly found in the United States and Canada among countries with large German-speaking populations, such as Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. This is due to the fact that the name is of German origin and likely came to North America with German immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the United States, Schemp is most commonly found in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. Although other states also have small clusters of Schemp populations, these three states make up the largest concentrations. In Canada, Schemp can be found primarily in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.
The numbers of Schemp in each state and province do not indicate a large population today, however. The largest concentration of Schemp is still in Germany. This is because a majority of Schemp individuals live in their original homeland and have not moved to another country in large numbers.
In addition, it must also be noted that the last name Schemp is a fairly rare one, even on its original home soil of Germany. In the U.S., data from the Census Bureau indicates that fewer than 500 people carry the last name Schemp. Although the surname is still present in the U.S. today, it is far from common.
Variations of the surname Schemp
The surname Schemp is of German origin and is sometimes spelt as Schamp, Schomp, Schonp, Schump or Schumph. This name derives from the Middle High German word "scembe" which was used to refer to mites or even fleas, and as such, is thought to have initially been used as an occupational name to describe a maker of flea powder.
Variants of the name include Shaemp, Shamp, Shampe, Shomp, Shonp, Schimp, Schump, Schumph and many others. In some cases, like Shaemp for instance instead of Schamp, the double m (mm) was changed to a single m (m). Some other variants of the name are Scemp, Shempp, Schompp, Schampe, Schonpe, Schumpf and Schimpf.
There are also many spelling variations of the Schemp surname. These include Shomp, Schompe, Schompen, Schomper, Schompp, Schompt, Schomzer, Shom, Shompen, Shomper, Shompp, Schump, Schummer, Schempp, Schommer, Shomcer, Schomcker, Schomcken, Shomken and others.
The surnames most associated with the Schemp family are also variations of the name, including: Schamp, Schompp, Schonp, Schump, Schumph, Shaemp, Shamp, Shampe, Schimp, Schumpf, Schonpe, Shonp, Schampe, Schimpf and Schummer.
It is also possible that some families adopted the name Schenk, from the Low German for “A cup or mug” as it sounded similar to the German pronunciation of the Schemp surname and meant that the original pronunciation of the name was kept.
Famous people with the name Schemp
- Pamela Schemp: American actress, best known for her role in television show The King of Queens.
- Ryan Schempp: Professional mixed martial artist.
- Frank Schempp: German diver in the 1960 Olympic Games in Seattle, USA who received the bronze medal in the 10m platform.
- Porter Schempp: Canadian professional BMX athlete who competed at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics in the BMX men's race.
- Dave Schempf: Former American football player who played offensive guard for the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills from 1989-1992.
- Joy Schempp: Award winning professional American runner who competed in five Olympic marathon trails and won two bronze medals.
- Laura Schempp: German figure skater who placed 21st in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
- Maureen Schempp: Canadian water polo player who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Casey Schemp: American professional race car driver who won the 2008 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series.
- Joe Schempf: Retired professional ice hockey player who played for the National Hockey League from 1989-1998.