Surname Nagelschmid - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'N'
Nagelschmid: What does the surname Nagelschmid mean?
The last name Nagelschmid is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "nagel" which means "nail" and the word "schmid" which means "smith." It is a metonymical occupational surname, typically given to a blacksmith who made nails.
The surname refers to an individual who is descended from a Medieval-era blacksmith who specialized in working with nails. Nagleschmid is an extremely rare German surname, which is still used in some countries today.
The Nagelschmid surname is particularly associated with the area of Franconia, located in Northeastern Bavaria. Franconia has a long-standing tradition of blacksmithing and the phrase “the blacksmiths of Franconia” is often used to note the speciality of the craft in the area.
The Nagelschmid family name is unique and intriguing. It is important to note that those bearing this surname are likely very proud of their craft-related heritage and the well-earned distinctions that are associated with their family name.
Order DNA origin analysisNagelschmid: Where does the name Nagelschmid come from?
The last name Nagelschmid is commonly found throughout areas of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany, Austria, Poland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic where it is one of the most common family names.
It is believed that the Nagelschmid name originated in Germany, with some sources suggesting it derived from the Middle High German word "negel", meaning nail, combined with the common family suffix "schmidt" meaning blacksmith. If this is the case, the name likely referred to those originally involved in the trade of nails and similar metalwork.
Today, the name is still prevalent in these countries, particularly in southern Germany where it is one of the most common names. Records show that since 1811, thousands of people with this family name have been living in the region and that more than 90 percent of those individuals come from the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.
Other parts of Europe, and indeed the world, also contain some of those with this surname with a small number of living in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and Italy, however, it is most common in its original homeland in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Czech Republic.
Variations of the surname Nagelschmid
Nagelschmid is a surname originating from Switzerland or Austria. It is derived from the German noun Nägel, which means 'nails', as well as the Old High German word 'schmid', meaning 'smith'. Variations in spelling of the surname include: Nagel, Nageleschmidt, Nageleschmid, Nagelsschmidt, Nageleschmied, Nägeleschmid, Nagelschmid, Nagelschmidt, Nagelsmith and Nagelsmied.
Other variants of the surname appear in various languages. In Dutch the surname is spelled as Nageleschmedt, Nageleschmeit and Nagelsmedt, while in Czech the surname is spelled as Nagelschmiedhovi and Čeper. Additionally, versions of the surname can be found in Turkey, with the spelling of Nagelsmeid.
Surnames that are variations of Nagelschmid also exist. These variants usually trace back to the same root name, as is the case for Nailsmith, Naglesmith, Nagelsmyth, Nägelsmith and Nagelsmuth. Other surnames, such as Nezschmid, Nagelschied, Nagelsky and Nagelshmidt, also appear to have a common root.
In some cases, the surname has also been Anglicised into the more familiar-sounding “Niles”. This spelling may have originated in Germany or Austria, and is likely an adaptation of the original German pronunciation of the name.
Overall, the surname Nagelschmid has a wide array of variants and spellings that can be traced back to its Germanic origin.
Famous people with the name Nagelschmid
- Alexander Nagelschmid: Austrian Cross-country skier
- Christoph Nagelschmid: German-American Economist
- Egon Nagelschmidt: German Actor
- Erwin Nagelschmidt: German Footballer and Manager
- Georg Nagelschmidt: German Painter
- Hans Gerd Nagelschmidt: German Physicist and Chemist
- Irene Nagelschmidt: German Olympic Fencer
- Josef Nagelschmidt: Austrian Footballer
- Kurt Nagelschmidt: German Actor and Voice Actor
- Paul Nagelschmidt: German Composer
- Robert Nagelschmidt: German Politician
- Rudolf Nagelschmidt: German Synchronization Actor
- Ulrich Nagelschmidt: German Engineer
- Walter Nagelschmidt: Austrian Cycling Champion