indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (ornamental)
Usage German (East Prussian)
Other Forms FormsSchmekel, Schmökel, Schmöckel, Schmockel, Smekel
Meaning & History
Originally Smekel. In the 17th century the ‘Sm’ in Low German was gradually replaced by the ‘Schm’ from High German. 'From the Middle High German first names Schnechel, Scmechil derived from the Middle High German smaehe "small, low, invisible".'Schnechel → Szmekel → Smekel → Schmekel → Schmoekel ⇝ Schmökel ⇢ SchmokelVariant spellings: Schmoeckel ⇝ Schmöckel ⇢ Schmockel