Surname Schefenacker - Meaning and Origin
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Schefenacker: What does the surname Schefenacker mean?
The last name Schefenacker is of German origin. It comes from the German words “Schef” meaning a chief or leader and “Acker” meaning field. The name originates from the Middle High German “scheffen”, which is related to the Old High German “scafen”, meaning farmer.
The name became prominent in Germany during the lateMiddle Ages, where it was usually associated with a landowner or farmer who had the authority to manage or operate the farm land or fields of an estate. Therefore, frequent variations of the name include Scheffe, Scheffer, Scheffels, Schefold and Scheffler.
The surname became widely-used when German emigrants started to settle in other parts of Europe during the 17thand 18th centuries. Today, the name can still be found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and even the United States, Canada, Australia, South America and other countries around the world.
In short, the last name Schefenacker is associated with those who had authority and wealth, such as a farmer, landowner, or leader. It has been used in many countries around the world for centuries, helping to shape the heritage and identity of those who have adopted it as their own.
Order DNA origin analysisSchefenacker: Where does the name Schefenacker come from?
The last name Schefenacker is most commonly found in Germany today, but it is not overly common. Schefenacker is a German surname meaning "scholar", likely originating from an ancestor who had scholarly advancements.
It is most prevalent in Southern Germany, particularly in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. The surname is also found in the regions of the former East Prussia, which is now part of Russia.
The surname Schefenacker is not particularly widespread in any particular city, but can be found in larger cities such as Munich, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, and other cities in those states.
The prevalence of the surname outside of Germany is much lower, and it is mostly found in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, where people of German heritage or descent emigrated in more recent centuries.
Variations of the surname Schefenacker
Schefenacker is a surname of German or Swiss-German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term ‘schafenacker’ for ‘shepherd’, and was originally used as an occupational surname.
Variants of the surname Schefenacker include Schaffenacker, Scheffanacker, Scheffener, Scheffenacker, Scheffernacker, Schefferacker, Scheffneracker and Schöffenacker. Alternate spellings include Scheffenacker, Schaffenacker and Schaffener.
Common variants of the surname Schefenacker are Scheffer, Schaffer, Schaeffer, Schoffenacher, Shafer, Shaffer, Sheffel, and Sheffler. Variants of these surnames may also be found in other countries, as the Schefenacker surname has spread worldwide. For example, the spelling Sheffer may be found in the USA, and Scheffer may be found in France.
Surnames of similar origin, or that have evolved from Schefenacker, include Scheffler, Schoffner, Shifflett, Schoff, Shiffer, Schoeller, Steffan, Steffen, Schueller, Scholl, and others.
In many parts of the world the surname Schefenacker has evolved and been adopted into the local language, resulting in a range of different spellings or simplified versions of the name. For example, in Australia the variants ‘Sheffner’ and 'Spieler’ may be found. Similarly, in the United States ‘Sherfy’, ‘Sherick’ and ‘Shumacker’ may be found.
Famous people with the name Schefenacker
- Arthur Schefenacker: German entrepreneur, physicist, and philanthropist.
- Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, Mitch Shefenacker.
- Antonio Schefenacker: Italian cardiologist and researcher in electromyography.
- Jim Schefenacker: Retired United States Army Major General.
- Suzanne Schefenacker: American Emil Otto Hoppé Fellow for photographers.
- Günter Schefenacker: Former professor and researcher in the field of biophysics.
- Karin Schefenacker: Swiss model, actress, and television presenter.
- Alexander Schefenacker: Austrian composer and music director.
- Christine Schefenacker: German Paralympic athlete, specializing in rifle shooting.
- Friedrich Schefenacker: German entomologist, specializing in dipterology.