Surname Scheidt - Meaning and Origin
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Navigating Personal Identity and Heritage: A Scheidt Family Journey through iGENEA DNA Test
The experience of taking the iGENEA DNA test opened a window into my past, providing a meaningful exploration of my surname ‘Scheidt’ and its historical significance on my identity and heritage.
J. Scheidt
read moreScheidt: What does the surname Scheidt mean?
The last name Scheidt is a German surname, with its origin dating back to the early Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Old German word 'schiden', meaning 'to divide', referring to someone who divided land or kept accounts. The name is further believed to have been derived from the Old High German word 'schið', meaning a 'boundary' or 'dividing line'.
Over time, Scheidt was adopted as an official surname throughout what is now Germany, with records tracing its first use as far as back as 1424. The Scheidt family flourished across many regions and by the 17th century, they had spread across to other European countries.
There are various spellings of the surname. In German speaking countries, it is generally spelled Scheidt, while in the Dutch-speaking countries it is commonly spelled Schijdt. Among those of German descent, it is sometimes spelled with a 'c' rather than a 'ch' (Schiedt). Other variations of the name include Scheitten, Scheid, Scheide and Schied.
Today, the surname Scheidt can be found across the world in regions such as North America, South America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Order DNA origin analysisScheidt: Where does the name Scheidt come from?
The last name Scheidt is very common throughout Germany today. It is particularly popular in the western part of the country, in North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria. It is the 77th most common surname in Germany.
The origin of the name is unknown, but there are several theories. One suggests that it is derived from the Middle High German word 'scheit', meaning 'short' or 'brief'. Another theory claims that it is derived from the first name Scheiden, a diminutive of Scheid, a surname used by miners and metal workers in the Middle Ages.
In the United States, Scheidt is most common in Pennsylvania, where it is the 12,897th most common surname. It is also found in other states such as New York, Illinois, California, and Ohio.
The Scheidt surname is found in other countries too such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, and even Australia.
In short, the last name Scheidt is a fairly common name throughout Germany and many other countries. Its origin is largely unknown but it is thought to be derived from a Middle High German word or first name. It is most common in Germany, the United States, and the Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Scheidt
The surname Scheidt has many variants and spellings, as well as other surnames of similar origins. The most commonly seen variant of Scheidt is Schiedt, and this variant appears on records dating back from as early as 1270. Others include Scheyde, Schidt, Schiet, and Scheedt. There are many other variant spellings, including Schüdte, Schütt, Skyt, Skeet, Sheedt, Schadet, and Shudt.
Other surnames of the same origin include Bitter, Wäschedt, Glaser, Breider, Pohl, Dirschel, Hillebrand, and Trostheide. Some of these variations are derived from Dutch, German, and Old High German words, while others have more of an unknown origin.
The surname Scheidt is thought to be occupational in nature, referring to someone who was a tax collector, or someone who was responsible for providing payment. Other origin interpretations include being in charge of a shed, or being responsible for taking a measure of grain. It has also been suggested that someone with this surname could have been a weaponsmith.
Overall, the surname Scheidt is fairly uncommon and its exact origins remain unknown. Regardless, there are many variants, spellings, and related surnames that can trace their roots back to this surname.
Famous people with the name Scheidt
- Carl August Schiedt: German composer, conductor and violinist
- Robert Scheidt: Brazilian Olympic sailor
- Till Schiedt: German physicist and mathematician
- Rüdiger Schiedt: German former professional footballer
- Andreas Schiedt: German athlete, bobsledder
- Peter Scheidt: German sculptor and academic
- Hans Wolfgang Schiedt: German athlete, football player
- Sebastian Schiedt: German athlete, football player
- Dieter Schiedt: German former professional footballer
- Birgit Schiedt: German fashion designer