SCHIMMEL Origin of surname
SCHIMMEL, SIMMEL
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a patronymic, derived from a male ancestor's personal name, in this case of biblical origin.
Literally, Schimmel is the German for "white horse", and also for "mildew". In some cases the Jewish family name Schimmel is a variant of the biblical male personal name Shmuel (in English, Samuel). The biblical Shmuel/Samuel was the Israelite judge and prophet who lived in the 11th century BCE. Widespread throughout the Jewish world, Shmuel has produced numerous forms used as personal and family names. In Germany, Samuhel is recorded in 981 CE, Muels in the 14th century, and Schmoll in 1529. Benchimol is documented in North Africa in the 17th century, and Schmuhl, Schimmel, Simmel, Saulon and Schmuller are found in 18th century Alsace, France. Samuel is also recorded as a Jewish personal name and family name among families of Beta Israel (the Jews of Ethiopia) in the 20th century.
In some cases Schimmel can be a form of the biblical Hebrew male personal name Shimon/Simon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. The name is derived from Shema which means "hear" (Genesis 29.33).
Distinguished 20th century bearers of the Jewish surname Schimmel include the American Rabbi Meier Schimmel.
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a patronymic, derived from a male ancestor's personal name, in this case of biblical origin.
Literally, Schimmel is the German for "white horse", and also for "mildew". In some cases the Jewish family name Schimmel is a variant of the biblical male personal name Shmuel (in English, Samuel). The biblical Shmuel/Samuel was the Israelite judge and prophet who lived in the 11th century BCE. Widespread throughout the Jewish world, Shmuel has produced numerous forms used as personal and family names. In Germany, Samuhel is recorded in 981 CE, Muels in the 14th century, and Schmoll in 1529. Benchimol is documented in North Africa in the 17th century, and Schmuhl, Schimmel, Simmel, Saulon and Schmuller are found in 18th century Alsace, France. Samuel is also recorded as a Jewish personal name and family name among families of Beta Israel (the Jews of Ethiopia) in the 20th century.
In some cases Schimmel can be a form of the biblical Hebrew male personal name Shimon/Simon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. The name is derived from Shema which means "hear" (Genesis 29.33).
Distinguished 20th century bearers of the Jewish surname Schimmel include the American Rabbi Meier Schimmel.