Surname Schaum - Meaning and Origin
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Schaum: What does the surname Schaum mean?
The last name Schaum is a German word meaning “foam.” It is most likely derived from the German root word “schaum,” which itself is a Middle High German word. While the exact origin of the name is unknown, it is believed to have come from a lapidary expression which was used to describe foaming rivers or waterfalls.
The Schaum family name spread throughout much of Europe during the Middle Ages. During this time, members of the Schaum family were believed to have been associated with influential and noble circles. It is also possible that Schaum could have had multiple interpretations as a surname. For example, in some parts of Germany the name can also mean “time.”
Nowadays, the name Schaum is not a very common name. It is estimated that less than 3,000 people in the United States carry the family name. It is most commonly found throughout Germany with some people carrying it in Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, and other European countries.
Despite its uncommon nature, the Schaum family name holds great meaning and history. Its German translation of “foam” symbolizes the termination of one phase and the beginning of a new one. As such, members of the Schaum family should be proud of their unique name and the rich history it contains.
Order DNA origin analysisSchaum: Where does the name Schaum come from?
The last name Schaum is most commonly found in Germany today. According to the 2020 statistics from surname.spb.ru, the highest concentration of the last name Schaum is in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hessen, and Baden-Württemberg. Many other German states also have a smaller percentage of distribution. However, the surname Schaum is not limited to Germany, it is also present in other parts of Europe, although not as popular as in Germany.
In addition, the last name Schaum can also be found in the United States. The 2010 US Census records around 500 people in the US with the last name Schaum. Many of these are likely immigrants or descendants of German immigrants, particularly those originating from Bavaria in south Germany. Although the percentage of people with the last name Schaum is relatively low in the US, it can be seen in many parts of the country.
Schaum is also a popular surname in other parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The numbers in these countries are much lower than in Germany though.
Overall, the last name Schaum is most commonly found in Germany, with small concentrations in many other parts of the world. As the descendants of German immigrants move around the world, the last name Schaum has also spread to other countries, even if the percentage remains relatively low.
Variations of the surname Schaum
The surname Schaum is of German or Jewish origin, and can have various spellings and derivatives. The most common spellings are Schaum, Schaums, Schaumann, Schaumberg, Schaumter, Schmum, and Schmautz.
The German surname Schaum is derived from the word “schao” which means foam, and could have indicated a person who was associated with such activities as brewing beer or soap making.
The alternate spellings of the surname Schaum with added vowels represent patronymic forms originating in Germany. Schaumann could mean "son of Schaum," while Schaumter could indicate a “ter” meaning originally “dweller at," or "one from" the German homestead bearing the name Schaum. Likewise, Schaumberg could represent a place associated with the Schaum family.
In addition to these German spellings, variations of the name Schaum are also found in the Jewish community. These may include Schmum or Schmautz, which are derived from the Yiddish word “shmaum” or “schmum,” meaning foam.
In conclusion, the surname Schaum can have a variety of different spellings and surnames of the same origin, depending on the ethnicity and location of the family. The most common variants are Schaum, Schaums, Schaumann, Schaumberg, Schaumter, Schmum, and Schmautz.
Famous people with the name Schaum
- John Schaum: Famous jazz and hymnal music arranger and composer.
- Eugen Schaum: German physicist known for his pioneering contributions to x-ray diffraction.
- Margarete Schaum: Austrian actress, best remembered for her role in the 1978 comedy film, Venusberg.
- Augustine Schaum: American virtuoso pianist, teacher, and composer of the 19th century.
- Alfred Schaumale: German tennis player, who was active in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Joe Schaum: former professional American football player who played with the Chicago Bears in the 1950s and 60s.
- Herman Schaum: 3rd-generation American furniture designer, known for creative and functional furniture designs of the late 19th century.
- Thérèse Schaum: Dutch artist, best known for her playful and colorful illustrations of animals and nature.
- Eugen-Friedrich Schaum: Austrian architect, who designed several notable buildings in Austria during the late 19th century.
- Fanny Schaum: German operatic soprano, active in the first half of the 20th century.