Surname Waldschmidt - Meaning and Origin

Waldschmidt: What does the surname Waldschmidt mean?

The last name Waldschmidt reflects an ancient Germanic ancestry descended from the Franks, a Germanic tribal people who ruled over much of what is now present-day France and western Germany during the period of the Middle Ages. The name itself translates to “forest-shield”, referencing the protective nature of a forest or woodlands against intruders or invaders. This is an apt description of those with the surname Waldschmidt, as those who share this surname are known for their passionate loyalty to family, friends, and country.

As descendants of the ancient Franks, the Waldschmidt family carries on the legacy of strength and resilience. Those with this surname have become successful in a diverse range of professions, ranging from entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, academics, and politicians. All of them share the same unwavering commitment to serve their communities and pave the way for the future. This legacy is reflected in the Waldschmidt family crest, which depicts a shield and two crossed swords, symbolizing strength and courage in the face of adversity.

The Waldschmidt name is a testimony to the strength and resiliency of its Germanic ancestors. Those with this surname are characterized by their determination, loyalty, and sense of justice that reflect their proud heritage. As a result, Waldschmidt families have left an indelible mark on the history of Germany and the world.

Waldschmidt: Where does the name Waldschmidt come from?

The last name Waldschmidt is most common in Germany today. It is an ancient German name that is believed to have originated in the 12th century or earlier when various spellings of the name were used as a surname. The name is derived from the German words for "forest" and "judge," which literally translates to "judge of the forest."

The distribution of this surname in Germany over time has been mapped and shows that it was most strongly concentrated in the South German states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. However, it has since spread more widely throughout the entire country and is now present in most German states. There is also a notable presence in Germany's neighbouring countries and around the world.

In terms of America, Waldschmidt is still a fairly rare surname but can be found in varying numbers in states such as California, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. As of 2008, the United States Census Bureau reported just shy of 2,000 individuals with this particular last name living in the US.

Throughout the world today, there are just over 3,000 individuals with this last name, with the majority of them living in Germany. Therefore, it is safe to say that the last name Waldschmidt is most common in Germany today.

Variations of the surname Waldschmidt

Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Waldschmidt are as follows.

Waldschmidt is a German surname derived from the Germanic words ‘wald’ meaning ‘forest’ and ‘schmidt’ meaning ‘smith’. The surname likely indicated a blacksmith or an itinerant worker who traveled between forested areas to ply his trade. Common variants of the surname include Valdschmidt, Waldschmit, Waldschmitt, Waltschmitt and Walschmidt, as well as foreign spellings such as Waltschmid and Waltschmidt.

Variation in spelling is common among surnames and can be due to differences in dialects, mistakes in transcription of documents or simply the choice of the bearer to use a variation in spelling. Likewise, surnames derived from Waldschmidt can include Walch, Walsh, Walsch, Welsch, Walz, Waetz and Waltz, which are derived from the old German root ‘wald’.

Today, variation in spelling and derived surnames is widespread throughout many countries that have German speaking populations, with the largest populations found in Germany, the United States, Russia and Ukraine. The precise distribution of the surname can be viewed at www.houseofnames.com/waldschmidt-family-crest.

Famous people with the name Waldschmidt

• Franz Waldschmidt (1888-1975), German classical scholar, epigraphist, and expert on Indian art.
• Willi Waldschmidt (1908-1985), German writer and anthropologist.
• Heidi Waldschmidt (1918-1998), retired German artist and commercial illustrator.
• Otto Waldschmidt (1921-2012), German physician and professor of medicine at the University of Hamburg.
• Arnold Waldschmidt (1917-1950), American Major League Baseball player.
• Georg Waldschmidt (1922-1995), German politician and Member of Parliament for the Christian Democratic Union of Germany.
• Jeffrey Waldschmidt (1941-2006), American entrepreneur and consultant.
• Edward Waldschmidt, Jr (1943-2009), Catholic bishop and author.
• Stephen Waldschmidt (born 1951), American physicist.
• Ouida Waldschmidt (born 1957), former Vice President at BellSouth.
• Ulrich Waldschmidt, German neuroscientist at the Max Planck Institute of Brain Research.
• Janeen Waldschmidt (born 1964), American Republican Party Chair in Iowa's Third Congressional District.
• Tim Waldschmidt (born 1966), former Major League Baseball pitcher.
• Michael Waldschmidt (born 1968), American professor of mathematics.
• Sarah Waldschmidt (born 1991), German Olympic runner.

Other surnames

WaldschmidWaldschmitt