Schmidt Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Schmidt come from? What does the surname Schmidt mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Schmidt and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Schmidt Origin: What does the last name Schmidt mean?
Schmidt is a common German occupational surname derived from the German word "Schmied" meaning "blacksmith" and/or "metalworker". This surname is the German equivalent of "Smith" in the English-speaking world. According to YourRoots data, the surname Schmidt first appeared in records from Germany around the early 15th century. The name remained closely associated with Germany from the 15th through the 17th century, gradually spreading to other countries over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms Schmidt's presence in various countries, with a significant presence in the United States and Germany. By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Schmidt surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing Germany by the early 19th century. Today, the Schmidt surname remains prominent in the United States and other regions worldwide, reflecting its historical roots and widespread adoption.
Schmidt Last Name History: Where did the last name Schmidt come from?
Origin of Schmidt Surname: Where does the last name Schmidt originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Schmidt first appeared in records from Germany around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Schmidt” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Schmidt: What does the Schmidt surname history look like in the early days?
The “Schmidt” surname remained closely associated with Germany from the 15th through the 17th century. YourRoots data also shows Schmidt family records in other countries, suggesting a gradual spread over the centuries. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that the surname started appearing more frequently outside of Germany, notably in the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Schmidt surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Schmidt surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 19th century, it had surpassed Germany, a trend that continued into the 20th century. The “Schmidt” surname remains prominent in the United States and other regions worldwide. It appears in many countries, although most heavily in the United States and Germany, reflecting its historical roots and widespread adoption.
Explore Schmidt last name heritage and Schmidt surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Schmidt Surame?
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (born May 6, 1984) is a fictional character from the American sitcom of the same name created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. Portrayed by Ellie Kemper, Kimmy is a 29-year-old woman who starts a new life in New York City after being rescued from a doomsday cult where she was held captive for 15 years. With her positive attitude and determination to not be seen as a victim, Kimmy navigates the challenges of modern life while making new friends and finding her place in the world. The character has become a symbol of resilience and optimism, earning praise for her portrayal of overcoming adversity with humor and grace.
Eric Schmidt
Eric Emerson Schmidt (April 27, 1955 - Present) is an American businessman known for his roles as the CEO of Google and executive chairman of Alphabet Inc. He is currently the CEO of Relativity Space, a leading aerospace manufacturing company. Schmidt has a background in computer engineering and has made significant contributions to the field, including co-authoring the Lex software program for Unix operating systems. He is also involved in philanthropy, founding Schmidt Futures and serving on various boards in academia and industry. With a net worth of over $32 billion, Schmidt is a prominent figure in the tech industry and continues to shape policies on artificial intelligence and science.
Erica Schmidt
Erica Schmidt (born 1975) is an American theatre director, playwright, and screenwriter known for her work on the BAFTA- and Academy Award-nominated film Cyrano. She adapted the 2018 stage musical into a successful movie, receiving accolades for her screenplay. Schmidt has also directed off-Broadway plays like an all-female Macbeth adaptation and received the Robert and Gloria Hausman Theater Honor. Married to actor Peter Dinklage since 2005, she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry with her creative storytelling and unique vision.
Mike Schmidt
Michael Jack Schmidt (born Sep 27, 1949) is a legendary American former professional baseball third baseman who played his entire career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Schmidt was a 12-time All-Star and a three-time National League MVP known for his power hitting and Gold Glove defense. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 and is considered one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history. Schmidt's unique batting stance and impressive stats, including 548 home runs and 1,595 RBIs, solidify his legacy as a baseball icon.
Kendall Schmidt
Kendall Francis Schmidt (born Nov 2, 1990) is an American singer, songwriter, music producer, and actor known for his role as Kendall Knight in the popular TV series "Big Time Rush." He was part of the boy band with the same name and has appeared in various TV shows and movies like "ER," "Ghost Whisperer," and "Minority Report." Schmidt also returned to his duo, Heffron Drive, after the Big Time Rush hiatus. With a successful music career and acting credits, he continues to entertain audiences with his talents.
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