Summary

The surname Shafer is of German origin and is derived from the word 'Schäfer', meaning 'shepherd'. The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a shepherd or had associations with sheep farming. Over time, the Shafer surname spread to other countries through migration and immigration.
There are
25641
Shafers in the USA
Shafer is the
1379th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Shafer

JohnShafer

John Shafer was an American winemaker and founder of Shafer Vineyards in California, known for producing high-quality wines.

GertrudeEderle

Gertrude Ederle, also known as Trudy Shaefer, was an American competitive swimmer and the first woman to swim across the English Channel.

RobertShafer

Robert Shafer is an American conductor known for his work with various orchestras and opera companies, including the Washington National Opera.

ShaferMurray

Shafer Murray is an Australian footballer who played as a midfielder for the Adelaide Crows in the Australian Football League (AFL).

ElizabethShaffer

Elizabeth Shaffer is an American actress known for her roles in films such as 'Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers' and 'Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland.'

JonathanSchaefer

Jonathan Schaefer is a Canadian artist known for his abstract paintings and mixed media artwork.

LindaShafer

Linda Shafer is an American opera singer, specializing in the soprano repertoire, and has performed with various opera companies and orchestras.

DanielScheaffer

Daniel Scheaffer is a British actor known for his appearances in television series such as 'Doctors' and 'The Bill.'

KarenSchafer

Karen Schafer is an American biologist and researcher, known for her work on molecular genetics and gene expression.

ThomasSchaefer

Thomas Schaefer is a German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), serving as the Minister of Finance for the state of Hesse.

Shafer Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Shafer' is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'schāfære,' meaning 'shepherd' or 'one who tends sheep.' It is an occupational surname often associated with individuals who worked as shepherds or in the wool trade.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Shafer' is primarily found in Germany and the United States. It is most common in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States, which has a significant German-American population.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Shafer' include 'Schaefer,' 'Shaffer,' 'Schaffer,' and 'Scheaffer.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Shafer' is associated with German immigration to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many individuals with the surname 'Shafer' settled in Pennsylvania, where they established communities and contributed to the local economy.