Summary

German-origin surname, with variations in spelling like Schäfer and Scheffer. It is derived from the occupational name for a shepherd, indicating someone who worked as a shepherd or had associations with the trade. The surname is relatively common and is often found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking regions.
There are
16024
Schaeffers in the USA
Schaeffer is the
2272nd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Schaeffer

EricSchaeffer

Eric Schaeffer is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his independent films, including 'If Lucy Fell' and 'Fall'.

DieterSchaefer

Dieter Schaefer is a retired German footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Köln.

JohannFriedrich

Johann Friedrich Schaeffer was a German naturalist and entomologist known for his work on insects, particularly beetles.

MargritSchaefer

Margrit Schaefer is a German painter known for her abstract and expressionist style, with her works exhibited internationally.

FriedrichWilhelm

Friedrich Wilhelm von Schaeffer was a Prussian general who served in the Napoleonic Wars and was awarded the Pour le Mérite, an esteemed military decoration.

FrankSchaeffer

Frank Schaeffer is an American author, film director, and artist known for his frank and sometimes controversial exploration of religion and culture.

MaxSchaeffer

Max Schaeffer was a German mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of algebraic geometry.

RolandSchaeffer

Roland Schaeffer is a French footballer who played as a forward for several clubs, including RC Strasbourg and FC Mulhouse, and won the French Cup.

AnnaSchaefer

Anna Schaefer is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, with her debut album 'Vertigo' gaining critical acclaim.

TheoSchaeffer

Theo Schaeffer is a German cyclist who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and was known for his endurance and climbing abilities.

Schaeffer Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Schaeffer' is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word 'schaffære,' which means 'clerk' or 'official.' It is an occupational surname that originally referred to someone who held a clerical or administrative position.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Schaeffer' is most common in Germany, particularly in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Lower Saxony. It is also found in other German-speaking countries, such as Switzerland and Austria, as well as in the United States and Canada.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Schaeffer' include 'Schaffer,' 'Shaeffer,' 'Sheffer,' 'Shafer,' 'Scheffer,' 'Scheffler,' 'Schaeffler,' 'Schafer,' 'Schaffrath,' and 'Schofer.' These variations may have developed due to regional dialects or spelling adaptations over time.
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Schaeffer' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, particularly during periods of German emigration and settlement. Many 'Schaeffer' families can be found in the United States, where they settled in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.