Shmoikel

Shmoikel is a male given name of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is generally treated as a diminutive or affectionate form derived from Shmuel, the Hebrew name Samuel, and is found in Yiddish-speaking and broader Ashkenazi communities.

The form is most commonly used in Central and Eastern European Jewish communities and their descendants, including in North America and Israel. It functions primarily as a given name rather than a surname.

Etymology and meaning: The name combines the base Shmuel with the diminutive suffix -ikel, producing a sense of “little Samuel” or “son of Samuel.” The spelling varies with transliteration, leading to forms such as Shmoikel and Shmuelke.

Variants and related names: Related diminutives include Shmulik and Shmuelke; the form Shmoikel is one of several affectionate variants used within Jewish communities. As with other transliterated names, spelling in English can differ.

Notes: The name has limited documentation as a standalone historical figure; most references are in naming contexts rather than biographical entries.