Surname Smaltzer - Meaning and Origin
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Smaltzer: What does the surname Smaltzer mean?
The last name Smaltzer is of Germanic origin and can also be spelled as Smalzer, Smeltzer, and Schmalzer. It is derived from the word smelt meaning to refine, so it likely referred to a smelter or a person who worked in refining at the furnaces. It may also have been an occupational name for someone who worked in a forge. Historically, the word smelt also referred to a type of fish, so the name could also have been a nickname for someone noted for catching or selling this fish.
In the modern day, the last name is still relatively common throughout Germany and other parts of Europe. Some of the earliest known mentions of the name can be found in early reformation era records, particularly in the region of Franconia. It is also present in records from the 18th and 19th centuries in Prussia, as well as the United States. In the American context, this surname was likely adopted by German immigrants who left Europe in search of a better life.
The Smaltzers are likely distant descendants of those who settled in Europe centuries ago, but the name has taken on a new life in the new world. Today, many families living in the United States and Europe proudly carry on the name and its history.
Order DNA origin analysisSmaltzer: Where does the name Smaltzer come from?
The last name Smaltzer is most common today in the United States. According to Geneanet.org, the Smaltzer surname can be found in several regions throughout the United States, particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, and Kentucky. From data collected in 2000, the United States Census Bureau revealed that the Smaltzer surname was ranked around 4,827 for its prevalence in the United States. This data suggests that the Smaltzer surname may have been brought to the United States by early settlers of German heritage.
The Smaltzer surname originated from a place-name, likely derived from a Germanic root meaning small. The place-name could have been the name of a village or other locality from which the family originated. The surname Smaltzer is shared by individuals of many ancestral backgrounds such as German, Dutch, and English. This indicates that the name likely moved or traveled with people who eventually settled in these areas of the United States.
Although the last name Smaltzer may still be commonly found in the United States, it is less common in other areas of the world. A quick look at genealogical records reveals that the Smaltzer surname is present in countries such as Canada, England, France, and even South Africa.
Overall, the last name Smaltzer can be found in several regions around the world, particularly in the United States. In the United States, it is most commonly found in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Variations of the surname Smaltzer
The surname Smaltzer has several variations, spellings, and names of the same origin. The most common spelling of the surname is Smaltzer, however, versions of the same name can be found written with an S instead of the Z, including Smalter, Smalters, Smeltzer and Smeltser. When found with a single L, the surname can be written as Smalteer and Smaltear, both with a similar pronunciation.
In Germany, the spelling of the surname has also been adapted to be Smaltzere, especially for those whose ancestors are directly from the region. Surnames of similar origin can be found spelled as Smoltz, Smolz, Smiltz, Smolts, Smoltse, and even Smoltso.
The Polish version of this surname is Smolczyk, whereas in Jewish communities it is usually written as Smaltz or Smalts. In the Netherlands, immigrants with this surname have Spelt the name as Smitser, and the variation of Smitsers has become popular in the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa.
Due to the many variations, spellings, and names of origin, this surname has continuously created confusion for genealogy researchers, however, its origin remains the same; it is a variant of the Ashkenazi Jewish surname of the same spelling, known as Smalt.
Famous people with the name Smaltzer
- Rhys Smaltzer: an American singer-songwriter best known for writing and performing the song "I Believe in You".
- Patrick Smaltzer: an American actor, best known for his role as Officer Carl Stephens on the TV series The Shield
- Elizabeth Smaltzer: an American actress, best known for her roles in the television series Rescue Me and Nip/Tuck
- Chris Smaltzer: an American actor and screenwriter, best known for his roles in the films The Goonies and The Breakfast Club
- Henry Smaltzer: an American film producer, best known for producing films such as Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead and Ghost Dad
- Susan Smaltzer: an American composer, best known for her work on the television series 7th Heaven and Picket Fences
- Lawrence Smaltzer: an American composer, best known for his work on the film Men of Honor
- Gregory Smaltzer: an American composer, best known for writing the theme songs for the television series Family Ties and The Golden Girls
- Jill Smaltzer: an American singer-songwriter, best known for her work on the films Jerry Maguire and The 40-Year-Old Virgin
- Linda Smaltzer: an American actress, best known for her roles in the television series Game of Thrones and Saving Grace.