Surname Schafranietz - Meaning and Origin

Schafranietz: What does the surname Schafranietz mean?

The last name Schafranietz is a Germanic origin surname, derived from the words schaf, meaning ‘sheep’ and ranz, meaning ‘a move or fleece’. Although its exact origins are unknown, it is believed that the surname was initially adopted to signify a person that was employed in sheep herding. It might also have been used as a nickname for someone courteous or good-natured, in reference to a sheep's gentle nature.

The Schafranietz surname can be found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as well as in smaller numbers in France, the Netherlands, and the United States. Records dating back to the 16th century show that Schafranietz has been in use in Europe, and the first known bearers of the name were Johann Schaffranitz, who was born in 1520 in the German city of Zwickau, and Bartholome Schafraniets, who was born in 1597 in Switzerland.

The Schafranietz surname is still relatively common today, as it has been passed down from generation to generation. It's a unique and special name that carries with it a sense of history and belonging. Those with the Schafranietz name are part of a larger family that stretches all the way back to the 1500s and carries with it a rich and interesting story.

Schafranietz: Where does the name Schafranietz come from?

The last name Schafranietz is most commonly found today in Europe. Schafranietz is a German name, likely deriving from the old German words "schafer," meaning shepherd, and "ranz," meaning rule or reign. The Schafranietz name is most heavily concentrated today in Germany, followed by Austria and other parts of Central Europe.

Within Germany, Schafranietz is most commonly found in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Lower Saxony. Moreover, the name can also be found in some parts of Poland and in bordering countries such as France and Belgium. While the origin of the name is likely German, it is also possible for the name to have made its way into other countries due to migration.

In addition to its presence in Europe, Schafranietz can also be found in the United States. The most frequent states to find the name are Pennsylvania, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Michigan. As with Europe, the last name could have been brought into the US from immigration over the years.

Despite its origins in Germany, the frequency of Schafranietz today is quite sparse. It is estimated that there are only about 350 people named Schafranietz living in the world today, with the vast majority living in Europe.

Variations of the surname Schafranietz

The surname Schafranietz is a German and Jewish name with many variants. The surname can also be spelled as either Schaefranietz, Schafrenietz, Sheffrani, Schafranietz, Schafranit or Schufrani. Other similar surnames include Shefrani, Schafrany, Shefranietz, Scheffrani, and Sheffrainit.

Schafranietz is a patronymic surname, meaning that it was derived from the given name of a paternal ancestor. The given name associated with Schafranietz is Schafor. It is likely derived from the Old German words 'scaf' meaning 'shield' and 'frankon' meaning 'free men'. In medieval German culture, 'schaf' was often used to describe a person of noble status or of great courage.

The earliest records of the Schafranietz name can be found in northern Germany, specifically in the historic regions of Westphalia and Prussia. In Hebrew, the Schafranietz surname is transliterated to Shefrani meaning 'joyful'. It is also believed that there is an alternate Czech root to the surname in the name Šafrani.

The Schafranietz surname is found in many countries around the world, including Germany, France, the United States, Mexico, Canada, Russia, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Australia, among others. Despite this, it is still a rare surname, with fewer than 5,000 people bearing this name.

Famous people with the name Schafranietz

• Franz Schafranietz (1893-1945): Austrian resistance fighter and statesman.
• Erwin Schafranietz (1927-2005): Austrian film and television director.
• Lorenl Schafranietz (1932-2008): Austrian actor and director.
• Wanda Schafranietz (1944-1988): Austrian film and television actress.
• James Schafranietz (1948-): British actor and film maker.
• Lena Schafranietz (1955-): German actress, director, writer and producer.
• Stephanie Schafranietz (1963-): Austrian-Swiss artist, writer, researcher and filmmaker.
• David Schafranietz (1973-): American actor and television producer.
• Benjamin Schafranietz (1983-): British actor and playwright.
• Eva Schafranietz (1985-): Austrian-German singer-songwriter and pianist.

Other surnames

Schafranitz