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Last Name Smaha

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What is the origin of the last name Smaha?

The surname Smaha is of Czech origin. It is derived from the Old Slavic name "Smělý" which means "brave" or "courageous." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have changed due to various factors such as migration and regional dialects. In this specific case, Smaha is a modern variant of Smělý.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Smaha

The meaning and origin of the last name Smaha

The surname Smaha is of Scandinavian origin, specifically Norwegian and Danish, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Smi" or "Smjør," meaning "smooth" or "oil." It is believed to have been a nickname for someone with smooth skin or a person who was oily or greasy. Over time, it evolved into the modern surname Smaha in Norway and Denmark. The name can also be found in Iceland, Sweden, and Finland, often spelled slightly differently due to variations in spelling over centuries and regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Smaha

The surname Smaha is predominantly found in regions of Norway and Sweden, indicating its Scandinavian origins. In Norway, it is most concentrated in the counties of Rogaland, Hordaland, and Vestfold, particularly in cities such as Stavanger, Bergen, and Drammen. In Sweden, it is more prevalent in the southern regions, notably Skåne County. The name may also appear in other parts of the world due to migration, especially to North America, with significant numbers found in Canada and the United States, particularly among Norwegian immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Smaha

The surname Smaha has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common spelling variations include Smaha, Schmaha, Schmacha, Schmaka, and Schmayha, which may result from phonetic translations or changes over time due to regional dialects and migratory patterns. Additionally, the name could potentially have alternative origins with slight variations in spelling, such as Zmaha, Smacha, or Smycha, depending on the specific historical or linguistic context. It's essential to consider these factors when researching genealogical records to ensure accurate identification of individuals bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Smaha

The Smaha surname is relatively uncommon, but there are still notable individuals bearing this last name. One of the most prominent figures is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., and later changed his name as a tribute to the Arabic language. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, having won six NBA championships and being the league's all-time leading scorer. Another notable figure is Alyson Stoner, an American actress and singer, best known for her roles in Cheaper by the Dozen, Camp Rock, and Step Up films. While not directly related, both individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Smaha

The surname Smaha originates from Scandinavia, specifically Norway and Sweden, with roots traceable to medieval times. The name is derived from the Old Norse personal name Smundr or Smundr Asmundarson, meaning "calm" or "peaceful." It was common for Norse people to adopt surnames based on their father's names or bynnames (names of places where they lived).

In Norway, variations of the Smaha name include Smaa, Smaga, and Småga. In Sweden, the surname Smahag is also found. The first recorded instances of the Smaha family in history are Asmundr Smundarson, who lived in the 13th century, and Olof Smahag in Sweden, mentioned in documents from the late 1500s. Over time, family members migrated to other countries, including Germany, Denmark, the United States, and Canada.

Notable individuals with the surname Smaha include Norwegian politician Gunnar Smeby (born 1946), known for his work in education and social welfare policy, as well as Norwegian artist Einar Smebye (1890-1957). Today, the Smaha family remains a prominent name in Scandinavia, with descendants distributed across various countries.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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