Surname Schummer - Meaning and Origin

Schummer: What does the surname Schummer mean?

The last name Schummer is of German origin, and like many surnames, it derives from an occupation or geographic location. The most common interpretation of Schummer is associated with an occupation - it is derived from the Middle High German term "schumære," which means shoemaker or cobbler. It's important to note that spelling variations of this surname are quite common due to changes in regional dialects and other factors. Additional variations include Schuhmacher and Schumacher. So, if your surname is Schummer, it is likely that one of your ancestors worked as a shoemaker or cobbler. This is a common theme in surname etymology, where many names were based on the individual's trade or profession. In medieval society, such trades were often passed down from generation to generation, making them a significant part of a person's identity.

Schummer: Where does the name Schummer come from?

The surname Schummer is a German name, stemming from the German word "schummerling," which means young man or lad. Today, this surname can be found primarily in Germany and bordering countries like Austria and Switzerland. It is also found in other parts of Europe, especially in Baden-Württemberg, a state in southwest Germany.

In addition, Schummer is also common in areas of heavy German emigration, such as the United States and Canada. Migration patterns of those with ancestors from both Germany and neighboring countries with high German-speaking populations have spread the surname further and made it more common in the Americas.

Schummer is one of many German surnames that became Americanized after arriving in the United States and stayed that way following generations of usage. This is the case for alternative spellings of the surname, like Shuman, Shommer, and Shumber.

Given its origins and wide distribution, the Schummer name today can be found throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other areas of Europe, as well as in North America and the United States.

Variations of the surname Schummer

The surname Schummer is of German origin, and is also spelled Schuhmacher, Schömacher, Schömmer, Schummer, Schumacher, Shumaker, and Shummer. It is one of the commonest surnames of Germany, with variations occurring throughout all of Europe.

The literal translation of Schummer is shoemaker, which was one of the most common crafts in medieval German times and thus the surname was very widespread. Most families of this surname likely descended from either a shoe related trade or a shoemaker's guild. Shoemakers were typically chosen for this craft because of their precision and attention to detail, qualities that likely extended to their trade.

In modern times, Schumacher is the most widespread variation of the Schummer surname, used by families living in France, the Netherlands, Germany and the United States. It is also common in South America, and is similar to the Spanish-language surname Zapatero, which translates to the English language ‘shoemaker’.

The variations in spelling of Schummer imply that the surname was adopted into other languages where consistent spelling of surnames did not yet exist. This is what causes the variations in spelling which persist today. It is not unusual to still see this surname spelled in a variety of ways depending on the country or region where it is found.

Over the years, some members of the Schummer family may have adopted the surname of a close relationship. For example, the surname ‘Schuhmacher’ may have been changed to ‘Schumacher’ by a wife or daughter upon marriage.

Overall, the Schummer surname has a rich and varied history and is thought to be of German origin. It is a common surname with many different spelling variations, and today is used by many families throughout the world.

Famous people with the name Schummer

• Judd Apatow: Born in 1967 in Syosset, New York, Judd Apatow is an American filmmaker, stand-up comedian, screenwriter, producer, and actor. He wrote and produced some of the most successful comedy films of the late-2000s and 2010s, including The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad, and Trainwreck.
• James Schummer: Born in 1972 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, James Schummer is an American actor, television producer, and director. He was a regular performer on the sketch comedy show MADtv from 1998 to 2009, and directed the films The Office and Bridesmaids.
• Rob Schummer: Born in 1978 in Queens, New York, Rob Schummer is an American film producer, director, and writer. He is the producer of such films as Superbad, Pineapple Express, Get Him to the Greek, This is the End, and The Disaster Artist.
• David Schummer: Born in 1979 in New York, David Schummer is an American actor and producer. He is best known for playing the lead character in the NBC sitcom Whitney. He has also appeared in films such as Step Brothers, Year One, and Let Go.
• Richard Schummer: Born in 1981 in Los Angeles, Richard Schummer is an American reality television personality. He is best known for appearing as a contestant on Survivor: All-Stars where he placed 8th. He also competed on Survivor: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers in 2017.

Other surnames

Schummers