Surname Smitz - Meaning and Origin
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Smitz: What does the surname Smitz mean?
The last name Smitz, is originally an Ashkenazic Jewish surname of German origin. This surname is derived from the German term "schmits" which can mean an individual who was an "agent or a manager". In some countries it was also used as a byname for a person who was smart and talkative, as well as a substitution for the popular Germanic word "smits" which can mean seneschal or governor.
The name is thought to have first been adopted as a surname in the late 16th or early 17th century when surnames were becoming popular throughout Europe. It is thought that this name was inspired by the occupational title and that it was adapted to describe individuals of higher social standing. In some cases, the name is believed to have been derived from a shortened version of the German term "smeetz", which can mean "iron smith" or "metalworker."
It is thought that the Smitz families then took the name with them when they moved to different countries, primarily to the areas which are part of today's northeastern Europe. As time went on, the spelling of the surname changed and new variations were created, with the most popular variations being Smits, Smitz, and Smitsz.
Though less common today, the Smitz surname still exists in Europe, as well as in some parts of North and South America. The name has a long and rich history, and serves as a reminder of the hardworking individuals who first adopted it centuries ago.
Order DNA origin analysisSmitz: Where does the name Smitz come from?
The last name Smitz is usually associated with Ashkenazi Jews who originate from Central and Eastern Europe; it is most common in countries such as Poland, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
In modern times, the Smitz surname can be found in many other countries around the world. It is especially common in the United States, with the majority of Smitz families now living in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Many of these families emigrated from Europe during the 19th century, possibly to escape religious persecution or to seek economic opportunity.
The Smitz name can also be found in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, including Australia, Canada, South Africa, and Israel. The name is more common in these regions due to the influx of immigrants from European countries during the last two centuries.
Although the last name Smitz is not as common as it once was, its presence in many different countries highlights the migratory history of the Ashkenazi Jews. It is a reminder of the struggles they faced and the resilience of this community in the face of adversity.
Variations of the surname Smitz
The surname Smitz is a fairly common surname in many countries and its origin is reflective of its geographical diversity. It is derived from the German word 'schmitz', meaning 'smith' or 'metal worker', and is an occupational surname for people who once worked in a workshop or created items out of metal.
Variations of the surname Smitz can be found across the world, with each variation often reflecting the particular language and dialect of that country or region. In the Netherlands, the spelling is usually Smit. In parts of Scandinavia, it may appear as Smidt, Smidd, Smidt, Smits or Smitts. In Latin countries, it may become Schmidt or Smit. In Scandinavian countries, the variations Smets, Smettes and Smessel can also be found.
In the United States, spellings of the surname may include Smitz, Smets, Schmitz, or Smith. The surname may also have taken its own shape due to immigration and realignment of language, for example Smitting in England, Smitman in Australia, and Smitka in the Czech Republic.
In a few cases, Smitz may have become Smith, Schmitt, Schmidt, Schmid, Schmied, or Schmeid when certain families adopted a more Germanic version of the spelling.
Finally, Smitz can also be found as a variation or variant in other countries, such as in Ireland, where it may be Smyth, as well as Smithe, Smithy, Smythy or Smithee. In France, it could also be found as Schmitt, while in Hungary, it may appear as Schmidt or Smit.
Famous people with the name Smitz
- Mark Smitz: a British film and television producer best known for the 'Don't Stop Me Now' music video for Queen starring Dev Patel.
- Arthur Smitz: a taxidermist and zoologist who made major contributions to the field of ornithology.
- Doron Smitz: an Israeli actor best known for his role as Michael Shapiro in the Israeli drama series Betipul.
- Fred Smitz: an American football player who was a two-year starter in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers.
- Kevin Smitz: an American painter, draftsman, and printmaker known for his satirical observations and treatment of culture and politics.
- Alisa Smitz: an Israeli actress and comedian who appeared in the comedy series Hashoter Hatov.
- Viktória Smitz: a Hungarian figure skater who competed in the single, pair, and ice dance disciplines.
- Steve Smitz: an American cartoonist and animator who created "Mutt and Jeff" in 1907.
- Johannes Smitz: a Dutch field hockey player who competed in the 1928 and 1932 Summer Olympics.
- Erwin Smitz: an Austrian football player best known for his time playing for FK Austria Wien in the Austrian Bundesliga.