Origin & Meaning of the Schmidt Surname
What does the last name Schmidt mean?
The surname Schmidt carries the meaning "Smith or metalworker." It is derived from the German language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 147,034 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Schmidt ranks as the #185 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Schmidt come from?
The Schmidt surname has its roots in German heritage. Names of German origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Schmidt name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Schmidt trace back to German. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Schmidt |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Smith or metalworker |
| Origin | German |
| Language | German |
| US Rank (2010) | #185 |
| US Count (2010) | 147,034 |
| Per 100K People | 49.85 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Schmidt
According to the US Census, the Schmidt surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 147,034 Americans with the Schmidt last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.15% |
| Black | 0.37% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.61% |
| Native American | 0.34% |
| Two or More Races | 1.19% |
Popularity of Schmidt Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Schmidt surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Schmidt surname increased by 1,469 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other German Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Schmidt
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