Surname Kupferschmied - Meaning and Origin
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Kupferschmied: What does the surname Kupferschmied mean?
The last name Kupferschmied is of German origin and is an occupational surname, derived from the German noun 'Kupferschmied' which literally means 'coppersmith'. This is a very traditional German surname which has been found in all regions of Germany since the 13th century.
Kupferschmied was an honorable occupation within Germany for many centuries, and it is thought that the Kupferschmied family probably began as a guild of workers who specialized in shaping, forming, or repairing items made from copper. Using copper for crafting was a skill that had to be learned and carefully developed, so Kupferschmieds were highly respected members of the community and used their knowledge to help craft items ranging from armor to cookware.
The surname today is still found commonly in Germany and is still derived from the term 'Kupferschmied', but the trade and guilds of skilled copper workers have slowly and steadily declined. Since the Kupferschmied name is still present today, it can be inferred that the descendants of these skilled workers have maintained their surname and its meaning throughout the generations.
The name Kupferschmied is a reminder of the craftsmanship and hardworking attitudes of the German Kupferschmied ancestors. This is a testament to the ingenuity and intelligence of the members of this family, who worked hard to master the art of copper smiths and pass their skills down through the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisKupferschmied: Where does the name Kupferschmied come from?
The surname Kupferschmied is common today primarily in German-speaking countries, including Austria, Germany and Switzerland. It is also relatively common in other parts of Europe, including Latvia, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic. In the United States and other countries with emigration from German-speaking countries, the name may also appear as Kupfer or Kupschmied.
The name Kupferschmied is derived from the Middle High German language and literally translates to 'coppersmith'. It was most likely an occupational surname given to someone who worked with copper in some capacity, such as a blacksmith or a coppersmith. It was a popular surname in the Middle Ages, and over time it spread across Europe in areas where German was spoken.
Today, there are many people of the Kupferschmied surname living throughout the world. This family name is most populous in Germany and Austria, although it is also relatively common in other parts of Europe, the United States, and other countries with German immigrants. In the United States, it is most commonly seen in the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and New York.
Variations of the surname Kupferschmied
Kupferschmied is a German surname which is derived from the German words Kupfer (copper) and Schmied, which translates to "smith". The surname is mainly found in Germany, Alsace-Lorraine, and the Palatinate regions of Germany.
Variants and spellings of Kupferschmied include Kuperschmid, Kopferschmid, Kufferschmit, Kufferschmidt, Kupfer, Kupfe, Kupfers, Kupfermids, Coppermith, Coppersmth, Copersmithe, and Cupersmyth.
Common surnames of similar origin include Kupfermacher, Kupferle, Kupferzeller, Kupferberg, Kupferbender, Kupferhahn, Kupferman, Kupfermann, and Kupfers.
Kupferschmied is also an occupational name, which refers to a craftsman or smith who worked primarily with copper. In the Germanic linguistic area, the name was popularly given to individuals who were master craftsmen in the area of copper work. Other variants of the name include Kupferschmid, Kupfervenger, and Kupfersmit.
The surname is rare in the United States, but in Germany and Switzerland, it still appears in public records and civil registration data. In Britain the name is commonly found in Scotland and Ireland.
Famous people with the name Kupferschmied
- Jacob Kupferschmid (18th century painter)
- Hamilcar Kupferschmid (Ludwig Maximilian University professor and Member of Parliament)
- Johann Kupferschmid (18th-19th century German sculptor)
- August Kupferschmid (19th century diplomat)
- Ida Kupferschmid (20th century Austrian-German film actress)
- H. Rudolph Kupferschmid (20th century psychiatrist and professor of Medicine)
- Axel Kupferschmid (German television actor)
- Walter Kupferschmid (German sculptor and artist)
- Heinz Kupferschmid (20th century German organist and composer)
- Christian Kupferschmid (Swiss composer, musician, and television actor)