Summary

The surname Shaffer is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word 'schaffer', meaning 'steward' or 'manager'. It was originally an occupational name for someone who was in charge of supervising agricultural or estate activities. The surname has a long history dating back to medieval times.
There are
59943
Shaffers in the USA
Shaffer is the
560th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Shaffer

RobertShaffer

Robert Shaffer was a former American football player who played for the Green Bay Packers as a cornerback in the 1960s.

GaryShaffer

Gary Shaffer is an American musician and songwriter known for his work as the lead guitarist of the punk rock band The Shaffers.

LisaShaffer

Lisa Shaffer is a renowned geneticist and researcher known for her contributions to the field of cytogenetics and the discovery of microdeletion syndromes.

WilliamShaffer

William Shaffer was an American politician who served as the Governor of Pennsylvania from 1879 to 1883.

JohnShaffer

John Shaffer was a British artist known for his landscape paintings inspired by the English countryside.

MaryShaffer

Mary Shaffer is an American glass artist known for her innovative techniques and use of glass as a medium for sculptural works.

DanielShaffer

Daniel Shaffer is an American playwright known for his plays exploring themes of identity, relationships, and social issues.

JenniferShaffer

Jennifer Shaffer is a renowned psychic medium and spiritual intuitive known for her ability to communicate with the spirit world.

RichardShaffer

Richard Shaffer is an American entrepreneur and business executive known for his successful ventures in the technology industry.

SarahShaffer

Sarah Shaffer is an American author and poet known for her emotionally evocative and introspective writing.

Shaffer Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Shaffer' is of German origin. It is derived from the occupational name 'Schaefer', which means 'shepherd' in German. It is a common surname in German-speaking countries.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Shaffer' is primarily found in the United States, with significant concentrations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. It is also found in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Shaffer' include 'Shafer' and 'Schaefer'.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Shaffer' likely traveled to America with German immigrants who settled in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also possible that some individuals bearing the surname Shaffer could be of German Jewish ancestry.