Surname Shaffer - Meaning and Origin

Shaffer: What does the surname Shaffer mean?

The last name Shaffer is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "schaffaere," which means "manager" or "steward." This was a title often given to a foreman, administrator, or someone employed to manage the affairs of a household or estate. Therefore, a person with the last name Shaffer could potentially trace their ancestry back to someone who held such a position. The name became widespread across Germany and other German-speaking regions, and variations include Schaffer, Schafer, and others. Like many other surnames, it started as an occupational name and over time became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.

Shaffer: Where does the name Shaffer come from?

The last name Shaffer is most commonly found today in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, and other parts of Europe. In the United States, Shaffer is especially common in Pennsylvania, with the highest concentration in the Midwest and Northwest.

In the United Kingdom, Shaffer is most commonly found in northern England and Scotland. In Canada, Shaffer is particularly common in areas of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Germany and Australia also boast a sizable presence of Shaffers. While this surname is not as common in Germany as it is in other countries, it is still considered a relatively common last name, originating primarily from Hessian immigrants. In Australia, Shaffers make up a significant portion of the population, particularly in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia.

Throughout Europe, including Swiss, Dutch, and French regions such as The Netherlands, Belgium, and France, Shaffers are also found.

Overall, the last name Shaffer is considered a relatively common name across the world today. It is most popular in English-speaking countries, though pockets of this surname can be found in countries across Europe, as well.

Variations of the surname Shaffer

The surname Shaffer is of German origin where it was initially spelled Schaeffer. This spelling variant that is still used mainly in Germany and Austria and other German speaking countries. It is also spelled Schaffer and Shaver. All of these spellings are related to the occupation of making and selling items made of leather, such as boots, shoes, and saddles.

Variations of the Shaffer surname include Schaffer, Shafer, Schaefer, Shaver, Schaeffer and Shaffer. The surnames Shifer and Sheffer are derived from the Shaffer and Shafer variants. While Shaffar, Schafar, Shaffers and Schaffers are variant spellings of the Shaffer surname.

In the United States there are many more variants of the Shaffer name. Examples of these include Schaffer, Shaver, Schaeffer, Shafer, Schaefer, Shiffer, Sheffer, Schaffner, Shaffere, Shifflett, Shaffar, Schafars, Shaffers, Schaffers, Shifferly and Sheffey.

Sometimes the variations of the Shaffer surname are a result of immigration and naturalization processes, when a family changed the spelling or the pronunciation in an effort to fit in to a new culture or language. Ultimately, all these variations are traced back to Schaeffer, the original spelling of the Shaffer surname.

Famous people with the name Shaffer

• Paul Shaffer: musician, former musical director and keyboardist of The World’s Most Dangerous Band on The Late Show with David Letterman.
• Kevin Shaffer: former National Football League offensive tackle.
• Don Shaffer: host of Chalke Talk on the XM and Sirius Satellite Radio network.
• Joanna Shaffer: American actress.
• Robert Shaffer: farrier and former U.S. Marine.
• Walter Charles Shaffer: American politician.
• Peter Shaffer: late English playwright.
• Terri Shaffer: retired American professional horsewoman.
• Thomas Shaffer: American music executive, artist manager, and entrepreneur.
• Kathleen Shaffer: American film and television actress.
• John Shaffer: music composer and sound engineer.
• John Shaffer: former Anglican Bishop of Liverpool.
• Andy Shaffer: entrepreneur, best-selling author, podcaster, master chef, and chef-programmer.
• Harvey Shaffer: American politician.
• Jeffrey Shaffer: American nationally syndicated business columnist and venture capitalist.
• Rick Shaffer: American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer.
• Marsha Shaffer: American author, journalist, and television producer.
• Darryl Shaffer: professional basketball player.
• Kay Shaffer: American former softball player.
• Martin Shaffer: American politician.

Other surnames

Shaff