Chmela

Chmela is a Czech surname referring to a person who grew hops (chmel in Czech), a plant used primarily in brewing beer. This occupational surname belongs to a category of names derived from agriculture and trade, reflecting the importance of hop cultivation in Central European beer-making traditions.

The feminine form Chmelová is common for female bearers, following the typical Czech pattern of adding -ová to masculine surnames. A comparable surname exists in neighboring Poland: Chmiel, which shares the same root meaning "hops" in Polish.

Distribution

According to surname distribution data, Chmela is found predominantly in the Czech Republic, with smaller numbers in surrounding countries and among Czech diaspora communities. The name is geographically tied to regions of Bohemia and Moravia where hop growing has historically been concentrated.

• Meaning: Derived from Czech chmel meaning "hops"
• Origin: Czech occupational surname for a hop grower
• Type: Occupational surname
• Usage Regions: Czech Republic
• Related: Chmelová (feminine), Chmiel (Polish)