Schmink last name popularity, history, and meaning

Find out how popular the last name Schmink is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Schmink.

Meaning of Schmink

A surname derived from the German word "schminken," meaning to apply makeup or cosmetics.

Schmink, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Schmink surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Schmink in America

Schmink is the 134037th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Schmink surname appeared 116 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Schmink.

The history of the last name Schmink

The surname Schmink has its roots in Germany, originating from the central and northern regions of the country. The name is believed to have emerged during the Middle High German period, which spanned from approximately 1050 to 1350 AD. It is derived from the German word "schminke," meaning "makeup" or "paint," which in turn stems from the Old High German word "sminchan," indicating the act of decorating or embellishing.

The surname Schmink is thought to have initially referred to a person who worked in the cosmetic trade or perhaps a theatrical painter who applied makeup to actors. This occupational surname would have been significant during medieval times when social statuses and professions were often identified through family names. The earliest records of the name appear in tax records and guild rosters from the 14th and 15th centuries in regions such as Saxony and Thuringia, where professions related to artistry and decoration were common.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Schmink dates back to a 1367 guild record in Leipzig, where a Johann Schmink was listed as a member of the painters' guild. Another early mention comes from a 1452 tax register in Erfurt, featuring a Heinrich Schmink who was taxed as a craftsman. These records provide valuable insights into the geographical spread and professional associations of individuals bearing the surname.

The surname underwent various spellings over time, including Schminck and Schmincke, reflecting changes in regional dialects and orthographic conventions. By the 17th century, the name appeared in several church and municipal records, illustrating its steady presence in German-speaking areas. For example, a 1623 marriage record in Munich mentions a Maria Schmink, indicating the name's spread to southern Germany.

Famous individuals with the surname Schmink include:

  • Friedrich Schmink (1564-1620), a noted German painter and decorator from Nuremberg who gained recognition for his intricate frescoes in local churches.
  • Anna Schmink (1798-1867), a prominent midwife and herbalist in Frankfurt, who authored a widely-referenced guide on traditional medicine.
  • Wilhelm Schmink (1825-1891), a Bavarian opera singer known for his compelling performances at the Munich Opera House.
  • Karl Schmink (1874-1956), an early 20th-century industrialist who founded a successful paint manufacturing company in Düsseldorf.
  • Hilda Schmink (1882-1945), a pioneering female chemist who contributed significantly to cosmetic chemistry, developing some of the first modern makeup formulas.

These historical references and individuals highlight the diverse contributions of those bearing the surname Schmink, reflecting its origins and evolution across centuries in German-speaking regions.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Schmink

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Schmink.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

  1. White only
  2. Black only
  3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
  4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
  5. Hispanic
  6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Schmink was:

Race/EthnicityPercentageTotal Occurrences
Non-Hispanic White Only96.55%112
Non-Hispanic Black Only(S)%(S)
Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander Only(S)%(S)
Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaskan Native0.00%0
Non-Hispanic of Two or More Races0.00%0
Hispanic Origin(S)%(S)

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Schmink was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Schmink, please contact us.

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