Surname Eyerschmalz - Meaning and Origin
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Eyerschmalz: What does the surname Eyerschmalz mean?
The last name Eyerschmalz is a German surname derived from the Old German words "eyer" and "schmalz," which roughly translate to "ohm grease." The root of the name is thought to originate from a time when cattle were slaughtered for their meat and fats. The fat that was rendered during the slaughtering process was known as "schmalz" or "ohm grease," and it was stored in containers or buckets marked with the word "eyer," a common Middle German dialect word referring to such containers or buckets.
Much like other German surnames, Eyerschmalz is thought to have been a hereditary name used by someone who was employed in a trade related to cattle slaughtering or grease rendering. Thus, it is believed that the surname was used to distinguish members of a family who worked in a trade often handed down from one generation to the next.
Today, many of those with the Eyerschmalz last name still live in Germany, primarily in the states of Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate. However, the surname can also be found among those who emigrated from Germany to other countries, specifically those in North America and some parts of the Middle East.
The surname is most likely seen as an interesting and unique name to those unfamiliar with its meaning, however, for those with family ties to its origins, it is likely an important reminder of their ancestors who worked in the livestock trade many years ago.
Order DNA origin analysisEyerschmalz: Where does the name Eyerschmalz come from?
The last name Eyerschmalz is generally believed to be of German origin, although some sources suggest it may be of Jewish Ashkenazic origin as well. It is a rare name and does not appear in any of the major genealogical databases today.
Presently, the last name Eyerschmalz is most common in Bavaria, Germany, and Bavarian Switzerland. It is also moderately common in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony states and in the city of Berlin.
The name Eyerschmalz is likely derived from the German words eier (egg) and schmalz (fat). This may indicate the family originated from a person who was employed in the egg and fat industry, and that it was a place or occupation name.
In the US, the name is not especially widespread. Data from the US Census Bureau shows only seven Eyerschmalz households in the entire country, all of which are concentrated in the Midwest and East Coast regions. It is especially rare in the western United States – there are no individuals with that last name in California, Oregon, or Washington.
Variations of the surname Eyerschmalz
There are numerous variants, spellings and surnames associated with the surname Eyerschmalz, including Eyrischmalz, Eyrischmeltz, Eyrsmetz, Aierschmalz, Ayerschmelz and Eyreschmelz. The many spellings of this surname are generally variations of the German surname ierschmalz, which is taken from the German word for fat, schmalz.
The Eyerschmalz surname originates from the Middle Ages when people were given a fixed surname and patronymic system. The Eyerschmalz surname comes from the German language, meaning literally "eyes of fat." It is theorized this surname was originally given to those who worked in the butter and lard trade as merchants.
Another common origination story of the Eyerschmalz surname is related to a family that lived in the Rhineland area of Germany who were involved in the silver mining business. They were likely called "eyrs" which is an old German word for silver, and "schmalz," which means fat. Thus, the "Eyerschmalz" name was created from these two words.
Whatever the origin, most forms of the Eyerschmalz surname are still found in Germany and throughout the German speaking regions of Central and East Europe. This surname is also seen in other countries of immigration, including the United States, where many have adopted this name.
Famous people with the name Eyerschmalz
- Robert Eyerschmalz: Robert Eyerschmalz is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He has released two full-length solo albums and collaborated with several music acts including Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, and Kenny G.
- Randy Eyerschmalz: Randy Eyerschmalz is an American sound engineer and film editor who has worked on over fifty feature films and numerous television shows and music videos.
- Tom Eyerschmalz: Tom Eyerschmalz is an American painter and sculptor, best known for his surreal fantasy paintings. His pieces range from sculptures of mythic creatures to vivid paintings of an otherworldly landscape.
- Andrew Eyerschmalz: Andrew Eyerschmalz is an American television, film, and theater actor. He has appeared in a number of Broadway productions as well as in television shows such as Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, and Hot in Cleveland.
- Jim Eyerschmalz: Jim Eyerschmalz is an American entrepreneur and business executive. He is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of the software company AppFolio, which helps small business owners manage their real estate and legal operations.
- Jon Eyerschmalz: Jon Eyerschmalz is an American composer and orchestral arranger who has worked on several major motion pictures and video games.
- Cheryl Eyerschmalz: Cheryl Eyerschmalz is an American attorney and partner at the law firm Eyerschmalz, Fitzpatrick & Gubela. She specializes in business and human rights law and is a recognized advocate for refugee rights.
- Mark Eyerschmalz: Mark Eyerschmalz is an American performance artist and theatre director. He has been a director at the Blair Academy of the Arts for more than two decades and has collaborated on numerous Broadway shows, theatre productions, and other events.
- Christopher Eyerschmalz: Christopher Eyerschmalz is an American artist and fashion illustrator. He has created illustrations for magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Women's Wear Daily, as well as for clothing lines, movie posters, and album covers.