Surname Schmedje - Meaning and Origin
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Schmedje: What does the surname Schmedje mean?
The last name Schmedje is of German origin and is thought to either be derived from the German word “schmecken” which means to taste, or from the German word “schmeiß” which is a dialectal term for “to throw” or “to throw away”. It could also possibly have been derived from an old Germanic personal name, “Smedje”, which is composed of the elements “smeo” (awesome), “diah” (daring) and “jeh” (good).
The most common variants of the Schmedje surname include Schmiedje, Schmed, Schmeiß, Schmedde, and Schmeide. Historically, the Schmedje family was found in the area along the Rhine river where Germany borders the Netherlands.
The Schmedje family was a prominent one in Germany during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Many members of the family owned large estates and served as members of the local government in their respective provinces. Some of the more notable Schmedje family members included Achim Schmedje, who owned an estate near Leverkusen in the 16th century, and Anton Schmedje, who served as governor of Trier from 1755 to 1761.
The Schmedje family has a rich and varied history with many fascinating stories to tell. Whether the surname was derived from “taste” or “throw”, it is an interesting and unique source of cultural heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisSchmedje: Where does the name Schmedje come from?
The last name Schmedje is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a German name which has roots in Frisian language, coming from the more ancient name "Smedje" or "smit". It was an occupational name for a smith, or metal worker, and the approximate meaning of the word is 'the one who strikes metal'.
Schmedje is currently a popular last name in Germany, with the most concentration being in the states of Hamburg, Berlin, and Saxony-Anhalt. Records show that it is also common in the Netherlands and parts of the United States, although much more sparsely. Additionally, there are records of Schmedje surname found in distant places such as Australia, Canada, Poland, and Switzerland.
For those with the name, further research can suggest more historical context and geographical location. Family records can trace the path of ancestors who used the Schmedje surname and trace how it appeared in different areas of the world over the centuries.
Variations of the surname Schmedje
The surname Schmedje has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. One such variant is Smid. This surname is derived from the Middle High German “smid,” which is a title for a blacksmith and is also a term for a skirmisher. It is used interchangeably with Smiedt and Smiet, which have a similar meaning.
Other variants include Schmid, Schmidt, Schmitt, Schmied and Schmiedt. All of these names are derived from the Middle High German word “smid,” which translates to smith or blacksmith. These variants are most common in German-speaking countries.
The name Schmedje can also be found in Jewish surnames, with variants including Shmidt and Schmidman. In Jewish tradition, the name is often spelled Schmidt and is used to signify a person who makes tools or weapons.
The surname Schmedje can also be found as Shmede, which is a variant found in Prussia. Prussian immigrants often took new spellings of their surname when they moved to other countries.
In some cases, the surname Schmedje or its variants may also be spelled Smit, Smite, or Smidt. These variants are most common in Dutch-speaking nations, and generally signify a person who works with metal or horse clippers.
In conclusion, the surname Schmedje has numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, including Smid, Schmid, Schmidt, Schmitt, Schmied, Schmiedt, Shmidt, Schmidman, Shmede, Smit, Smite, and Smidt. Depending on which region the name is found in, these variants may have different meanings.
Famous people with the name Schmedje
- Juliana Schmedje: Brazilian actress who appeared in the film series Elite Squad and its sequel Elite Squad: The Enemy Within.
- Jan Schmedje: German actor best known for roles in TV series such as Fahr mal weiter and Lindenstraße.
- Gunther Schmedje: German actor, best known for roles in Darkland, Life Sucks and Formentera.
- Max Schmedje: German comedian, cabaret performer and radio personality.
- Friedhelm Schmedje: German actor, known for his role in DJ Bobo’s music video There’s a Party.
- Bernd Schmedje: German actor who has appeared in television shows such as Tatort and Schimanski.
- Ulrich Schmedje: German actor who appeared in 1994 movie Schloß Einstein and the television movie My Brother is an Angel.
- Kathrin Schmedje: German singer-songwriter and actress with roles in movies such as Daylight and Herr Böllhoff greift ein.
- Carlo Schmedje: German actor, best known for roles in the crime-thriller Der gehetzte Wolf and Die Lebenden.
- Paul Schmedje: German actor, best known for roles in the TV series Unser Lehrer Dr. Specht and Leserpreis.