Shmiel, of Hebrew origin, is a historic and unique male given name. It is derived from the Hebrew word "shamayim," which means "heaven." This name has been used within Ashkenazi Jewish communities for centuries, often among families with Sephardic roots who immigrated to Eastern Europe. The name Shmiel is often accompanied by the meaning of "one who ascends to heaven" or "who is like God," reflecting its heavenly and divine origins. It was particularly popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries, though it remains a distinct and significant name within Jewish communities today.
"The name Shmiel experienced a notable surge in popularity from the late 90s to the early 2000s, with a peak of 44 births each in 2015 and 2016. However, it saw a significant drop-off in the early years, with only single-digit births between 1959 and 1975."