Surname Schew - Meaning and Origin
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Schew: What does the surname Schew mean?
Schew is a surname of likely Germanic origin, although its specific meaning is not entirely certain as it is a relatively rare last name. In the German language, "schew" could potentially be derived from the word "schau," which means "show" or "look." However, without a definitive historical context, it's challenging to derive a precise meaning.
German surnames historically derive from various sources including occupational or professional names, geographical names, or descriptive names based on unique physical qualities or other personal attributes. If Schew is occupational, it may relate to an unknown profession. If geographical or descriptive, it could potentially relate to a place or a characteristic. In any case, it should be understood that surnames have evolved significantly over centuries and their present forms might be quite distant from original meanings.
Ultimately, the exact meaning of the surname Schew can be properly uncovered through personal genealogical research to trace the specific geographic and historical origins of one's lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisSchew: Where does the name Schew come from?
The last name “Schew” is generally thought to be of German origin and is most commonly found in the country of Germany today. According to the German phonebook, there are an estimated 3,000 people with the last name of Schew living throughout different regions of the country. It is thought that originally, the surname was derived from the middle High German word “schewen”, which refers to a person who is renowned for their quickness and agility.
As with many German last names, the spelling of “Schew” has evolved over time, and today, variations like Schue, Schu, Schuh, and Schuhmacher could be found. With the increased migration of people over the centuries, the name is also now found in other parts of the world.
In the United States, for example, people with the last name Schew can be found living in the mid-western states of Ohio and Indiana. In the UK, there are fewer Schews around, with most of them having settled in Buckinghamshire, especially the villages of Pitstone and Wingrave. It’s also worth noting that the name is quite rare in other parts of Europe, like France and Italy.
So, to sum up, Schew is a German surname that is still quite common in Germany today. It has also spread to other countries through migration and can be found in the United States, the UK, France and Italy.
Variations of the surname Schew
The surname Schew is a variation on the name Shew, which is an anglicized spelling of multiple surname spellings from multiple sources. The Germanic spelling of Schew is Schuhe (Schuh) but the Dutch and Scandinavian variations are Skou (Skouw or Skow). These derivatives of the name Shew have gone on to develop in to surname spellings such as Schouwe, Schou, Schow, Schou, Show, Skouw, Schew, Schue, Schewa, Schue, Scheu, Schucker, Schammer, Schontz, Schuster and Scoller. Whilst Shew, Schou, Schow and Skouw are the most prevalent variations of the name, some English-speaking individuals have changed the spelling to Schuhu, Shoe, Shoemaker, Schew, Schooley and Schultz.
The Shew, Schou, Schow and Skouw roots of the surname are rooted in Germanic languages, meaning ‘shoe’ or ‘shoemaker’. It is believed that the surname originated either from medieval trade names for those making and/or selling shoes, or as a nickname or status name for a shoemaker.
Whilst the surnames have primarily stayed within Europe, migration has seen the different variations of the Schew surname spread to many other parts of the world. It’s therefore highly likely that the name will continue to evolve new spellings over time.
Famous people with the name Schew
- Albert Schew: German film director and screenwriter, known for movies such as Lebenslüge (1983), Love Forever (1985) and A Summer House in Holland (1991).
- Katherine Schew: daughter of Albert Schew and a German film and television actress, best known for her roles in films such as Der Mann mit den zwei Gesichtern (1978) and Der letzte Tanzboden (1990).
- Andrea Schew: German composer and music teacher, mother of movie director Albert Schew, known for her work on films such as The Treaty of Versailles (1969) and The Golden Fleece (1976).
- Klaus Schew: German photographer and documentary filmmaker, director of the 2001 film The Rocket Men.
- Gottfried Schew: German painter and sculptor, known for his works inspired by nature and ancient Greek mythology.
- Rudolf Schew: German journeyman and friend of the famous actor and poet Heinrich Schlitt.
- Wolfgang Schew: German chef and restaurateur, owner of the two-star Michelin restaurant ‘Wolfgang’s French Art Cuisine’.
- Jacob Schew: recipient of the Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, known for his contributions in research on the Abuse oftrust and the prevention of fraud.
- Hannah Schew: German silversmith, active in the early 20th century.
- Claus Schew: German commercial artist, active in the 1950s and early 60s.