Surname Schaffers - Meaning and Origin
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Schaffers: What does the surname Schaffers mean?
The surname Schaffers is of German origin and means 'shepherd.' It is derived from the Old High German word 'scaphari' meaning 'shepherd, herdsman'. It likely originated as an occupational name for someone involved in tending sheep or a nickname for someone who was regarded as a large, strong protector or provider similar to a shepherd.
Today, Schaffers is a common German or Dutch surname. It is found throughout the German states, Netherlands, and in communities with German or Dutch ancestry. It is believed to have first emerged in the 13th century around the Rhine region of Germany.
Variations of the name Schaffers include Shaffer, Schaefer, Schaffer, and Schaffer. A variety of spellings of the surname have emerged due to its evolution over time. Common spelling variations include Schaffer, Shaffer, Schäfer, Schaeffer, Schöffer, Schoffer, Schoepfer, and Scheffer.
Over the centuries, the Schaffers surname evolved into many stages of cultural integration and settlement. Many families bearing the Schaffers surname gained notoriety over the years, particularly for their involvement in politics, business, industry, and other professional fields.
Overall, the surname Schaffers is closely linked with the cultural and traditional heritages of German and Dutch families that settled in various areas of Europe and beyond.
Order DNA origin analysisSchaffers: Where does the name Schaffers come from?
The last name Schaffers is most commonly found today in Germany. According to the Geni World Family Tree, more than 5,400 people named Schaffers are currently residing in Germany.
It is believed that the origin of the name Schaffers is Germanic, where it is derived from the word "schaffer" meaning "shepherd" and is associated with occupational names used to denote a shepherd or shepherd-related position such as herder, swineherd, etc.
In addition to Germany, Schaffers is also found in the United States, Austria, France, and the Netherlands, among other countries. In the US, the name is most prevalent in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
The Schaffer family name is found throughout the world and perhaps due to German immigration, was eventually adopted by people seeking to take advantage of the opportunities available to those who had migrated to a new country. This could explain why Schaffers is also found in American and European countries.
The Schaffers are known for their commitment to hard work and dedication, and many of them have made significant contributions to their respective societies. Notable people of this family name include the theologian and professor Albrecht Schaffers, the physician and scientist Henry Schaffers, and the politician Mark Schaffers.
Variations of the surname Schaffers
The surname Schaffers has many variants and spellings, which stem from its German and Yiddish roots.
The most common variant is the given name Schäffer, which refers to a shepherd or sheep herder. This spelling was used throughout Germany, the Netherlands and parts of Eastern Europe.
A less-common variant is Chaffer. This spelling was more likely to crop up in southeastern England or Ireland, and was likely derived from the Romani adaptation of the German name.
The plural form of the name, with an -s at the end, has also been widely used throughout Europe and the United States. This spelling, Schaffers, is used by many modern-day American-born citizens of German heritage.
Other variants of the surname include Schaeffer, Schaefer, Schaffer, Schafferer, Schaefer, Schafers, Schaffer, Schaffner, Schoffner, Shafer, Shaffer, and Shaffers.
For Jews of German descent, the surnames Schaffer and Schoffner were likely adapted from the traditional German surname, as exemplified by the name Seligman Schaffner.
Surnames of similar origin and spelling to Schaffers include Chafers, Schaapers, Schafers, Schaubs, Shaffers, Shasers, and Shepards.
While the spelling of the name has varied slightly over time, the meaning remains the same—a shepherd or sheep herder.
Famous people with the name Schaffers
- Ellen Schaffer: United States Senator and Congressional Representative.
- Martin Schaffer: US Supreme Court Justice.
- Michael Schaffer: American film director and producer.
- Robert Schaffer: US Congressman and Colorado Senator.
- John Schaffer: Keyboardist and vocalist of American thrash metal band Iced Earth.
- Lauren Schaffer: US Olympic gold medalist.
- John Schaffer III: Musician and guitarist for Iced Earth.
- Herman Schaffer: German-American physician and professor.
- Carol Schaffer: Film editor and editor for the Academy Awards.
- Eric Schaffer: American actor and model.
- Bob Schaffer: Former Colorado educator and politician.
- Michael Schaffer: German-American painter and sculptor.
- Charles Schaffer: American philosopher and professor.
- Garry Schaffer: American composer and pianist.
- Jeffrey Schaffer: American comedy writer and producer.
- Gene Schaffer: American game show producer.
- David Schaffer: American professor of bioengineering.
- Max Schaffers: German-American actor and director.
- Hans Schaffers: German philosopher and linguist.
- Mark Schaffer: American poet and playwright.