Surname Schaffarcyk - Meaning and Origin
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Schaffarcyk: What does the surname Schaffarcyk mean?
The last name Schaffarcyk is of German or Slavic origin and is believed to be derived from the German word "schaffer", meaning shepherd. The suffix "-cyk" or "-ick" is a Slavic or East Prussian patronymic that also translates roughly to "son of" or "descendant of". As such, Schaffarcyk is a surname that is used to denote someone of shepherd or pastoral lineage.
The Schaffarcyk name is likely derived from the ancient Germanic shaffers or shepherds that tended flocks of sheep, cattle, and other animals during the Middle Ages. This is also likely why the word "shepherd" is often used as a metaphor for those who guide, protect, and care for others. In many religious texts, God is referred to as a shepherd.
Today, the Schaffarcyk surname spans across numerous countries and cultures, and its meaning remains a testament to its bearer's humble origins. Those who share the surname Schaffarcyk are sometimes considered to be modern day guardians, protectors, or caretakers. It may be a reminder for these individuals to watch over those in their care with the same strong-mindedness and care that their ancestors once used to tend to livestock.
Order DNA origin analysisSchaffarcyk: Where does the name Schaffarcyk come from?
The last name Schaffarcyk is most commonly found in Central Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland, Germany, Austria, Latvia, and Lithuania. Historically, the Schaffarcyk surname may have originated with a Polish nobleman of unknown origin in the 13th century named Palatine Schaffarcyk von Suchostaw. After the first Schaffarcyk was recorded, this surname has been handed down through generations, with some branches spreading throughout various regions of Europe.
Today, the highest concentration of Schaffarcyk families can be found in Poland (where it is the 637th most common name), followed by Germany (950th most common), then Latvia (2,361st most common), and Lithuania (5,237th most common). In the United States, it ranks as the 4,267th most common last name. Many of these families can be traced back to Polonia, the Polish-American community, as well as Prussian migrants who arrived in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Though Schaffarcyks can be found all over the world, many families still reside in the countries their ancestors came from. As a result, the largest concentrations of the Schaffarcyk surname can be found in Central Europe, with smaller clusters in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Schaffarcyk
The origin of the surname Schaffarcyk is Slavic. It is derived from the word ‘szafa’, which means ‘wardrobe’ or ‘closet’. This surname is found in various spellings and variants in many countries, including Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and the United States. Spellings and surnames of the same origin include:
• Schaffarczyk
• Shafarczyk
• Schaafarczyk
• Schafarcyk
• Shafarcyk
• Schaafarcyk
• Schaffarzyk
• Shaffarzyk
• Schaafarzyk
• Schaffarzick
• Shaffarzick
• Schaafarzick
• Szafarczyk
• Szafarcyk
• Szaffarczyk
• Szaffarzick
• Saffarcyk
• Safarczyk
• Safarcyk
• Saffarzyk
• Saffarzick
• Szafseys.
These related surnames are found in various countries and cultures, often with slight variations in spelling. For example, in Poland, ‘Szafarczyk’ and ‘Szaffarczyk’ are common variations of the surname, while in Germany, variations such as ‘Schaffarzyk’ are used. In the United States, ‘Schaffarcyk’ is the most common spelling of the surname.
The surname Schaffarcyk is also related to other surnames with similar roots, such as Szafran, Szafranko, Szafranski and Szafranszky. All of these surnames derive from the Slavic prefix ‘Sza’, which means ‘wardrobe’, and the suffixes ‘Fra’ or ‘Frans’, which mean ‘free’.
Famous people with the name Schaffarcyk
- Bryan Schaffarcyk, former professional dirt-track racer and endurance trainer.
- Bill Schaffarcyk, a former professional basketball player
- Mike Schaffarcyk, a former professional golfer
- Mary Schaffarcyk, a professional martial artist
- Jake Schaffarcyk, a professional baseball player
- Dean Schaffarcyk, a professional wrestler
- Thomas Schaffarcyk, an Australian soccer player
- Joe Schaffarcyk, a retired Major League Soccer player
- Jim Schaffarcyk, a former professional hockey player
- Paul Schaffarcyk, a professional cyclist and Olympic medalist
- Tricia Schaffarcyk, a former professional figure skater
- John Schaffarcyk, a former professional bodybuilder
- Bob Schaffarcyk, a former NFL football player
- Kyle Schaffarcyk, a professional poker player
- Sarah Schaffarcyk, an American actress and comedian