Surname Schimetscheck - Meaning and Origin

Schimetscheck: What does the surname Schimetscheck mean?

The last name Schimetscheck is of German origin. It is derived from the German word "schimmel," which means "pale horse." Schimmel in antiquity had great cultural significance, because they were valued as sacred beasts of burden and good luck charms. The addition of ‘check’ to the end of the word Schimmel became a sign of respect to the majestic animal. The name also embodies its bearer’s strength, regality, and dignity. In its various forms (Schimetzek, Schimeltscher, Schimmeltscher, etc), the name Schimetscheck is found throughout Central Europe and the United States today.

The Schimetscheck family is said to have originated in the Thuringian area of Germany, but spread throughout Europe when emigrating to find new opportunities. As a result of the Schimetscheck name, members of the family are believed to encompass a strong sense of loyalty, honor, and respect.

Throughout the years, members of the Schimetscheck family have had a profound impact on society, including serving in groundbreaking capacities in medicine, science, politics, entertainment, business, and faith. From art collectors, to opera singers, to businessmen, the family name has had a major influence in worldwide progress. In many respects, the Schimetscheck name represents a distinguished heritage of determination and resilience that remains strong to this day.

Schimetscheck: Where does the name Schimetscheck come from?

The last name Schimetscheck is most commonly found in the Central European country of Germany. Despite its unique spelling, Schimetscheck is one of the more common last names in German-speaking areas, as documented by the genealogical website MyHeritage.com. However, the Schimetscheck name is still relatively uncommon compared to more widespread German surnames.

According to the genealogical website Geni.com, the Schimetscheck last name evolved from the medieval personal name, Schimetschek, which derived from the German word schimme, which means darkness. Over time, this last name evolved into Schimetscheck.

Schimetscheck is found today across various German-speaking countries and regions, including Germany's 16 federal states, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Alsace, France. Germany is the leading country with this last name, with over 1,000 people bearing the Schimetscheck surname living in the country. Other countries reporting at least some Schimetscheck families are the Netherlands (52 families), Austria (32 families), Poland (7 families), France (6 families), the United States (5 families), and the Czech Republic (2 families).

In the United States, the Schimetscheck last name is found in seven states: Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. While not as widespread as it is in Europe, the Schimetscheck name is still relatively common in the United States.

Variations of the surname Schimetscheck

Schimetscheck is a rare German surname, believed to have originated in the Upper Palatinate region. In its native form, the name is usually written as Schimetschek or Schimetscheck. Variations of the same name may also include Schimel, Schimmel, Schimmetzsch, and Schimetzsch. These variations can be found primarily in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

The Schimetschek surname is derived from the German word "schimmeln," meaning "to mold," "to become discolored,” or "to decay." It is believed to have originally been given to someone who lived near a marsh or plantation.

The name Schimetscheck is also linked to the English surname Shimel, which is thought to have originated with German immigrants who moved to the British Isles. Shimel is still used today in either its original spelling or as one of two variations: Shimelch, a patronymic surname, and Shimelk, derived from a place name in Germany.

Additional spellings of Schimetscheck may include Schimetzch, Schimetcheck, Schimetzsch, Schimmelschek, and Schimmelsschick. All of these variations are believed to have the same origin and likely refer to a person whose ancestors were likely from the same region of Germany.

It is also possible that there are surnames linked to Schimetscheck but spelled differently. Some names, for example, could be derived from other places or regions of Germany, such as the area of Schimetschek in Prussia or ecclesiastical terms. It is not always possible to determine the exact origin of a surname, but there are many resources available to determine the possible variations of a single surname.

Famous people with the name Schimetscheck

• Julian Schimetscheck: German actor
• Reinhard Schimetscheck: former member of the German Parliament for the Christian Democratic Union
• Julien Schimetscheck: French photographer
• Franz Schimetscheck: Austrian composer
• Ralph Schimetscheck: American musician
• Klaus Schimetscheck: German football player
• Michael Schimetscheck: German historian
• Emil Schimetscheck: Austrian Olympic freestyle skier
• Erich Schimetscheck: Austrian-American businessman and founder of the Schimetscheck Works
• Otto Schimetscheck: German film and television actor
• Andreas Schimetscheck: former Austrian alpine skier
• Anna Schimetscheck: Swiss sport shooter
• Johann Schimetscheck Jr.: former principal flute of the Vienna Philharmonic

Other surnames

Schimetschek