Surname Schaffarz - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schaffarz: What does the surname Schaffarz mean?
The last name Schaffarz is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word ‘schaffere’ meaning ‘merchant’. The name is thought to have originally been a nickname given to a successful merchant or trader during the medieval period. It could also be a patronymic name, meaning it was derived from the first name of the ancestor of the initial bearer.
The spelling of Schaffarz is a modern variation of its original form; it is also sometimes found spelled as Schaefer or Schäffer. Variants of this name can be found throughout German-speaking countries, including the regions of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as many other countries that have German-speaking populations.
The main characteristics associated with the Schaffarz surname are determination, ambition, and perseverance. These qualities would have been essential for success in the highly competitive world of medieval trade and commerce. The characteristics could still be passed down to the modern descendants of the original name bearer, making it an ideal choice of a name for anyone who wishes to succeed in any endeavour.
Order DNA origin analysisSchaffarz: Where does the name Schaffarz come from?
The last name Schaffarz is a German surname that is commonly found today mainly in Germany and throughout Europe. It is also found sporadically in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa as immigrants from Europe have made their homes in these places.
The language of origin for the surname is German, and the literal meaning of Schaffarz is“shearer” or “cutter”. It is believed to have referred to someone who sheared sheep or cut plants for a living.
The earliest record of Schaffarz dates back to 1599 in Germany. Today, the surname can be found in small numbers in countries all over the world. According to the 2019 US Census, there were 593 Americans with this last name. In Germany, there are approximatively 1500 people who bear the surname Schaffarz.
In both Germany and the US, Americans who carry this surname are primarily of German descent and make up a small minority of the general population. As a result, Schaffarz is still very much a rare surname and is not especially well-known.
Overall, the last name Schaffarz is a German surname that can be found mainly in Germany and throughout Europe, albeit in small numbers. It is also seen in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, in the form of immigrants from Germany and other parts of Europe.
Variations of the surname Schaffarz
The surname Schaffarz can have a variety of spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin. These include Shaffarz, Shaffartz, Schaefer, Schaevitz, Schaeferitz, Scheffer, Schefferitz, Schaffer, Schafferman, Schaffertz and Schaffire.
Schaffarz is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname derived from the German word "Schafe", meaning sheep. It is derived from the occupation of the original bearer of the surname, that being the tending of sheep. Over time, the "fe" at the end of the word was changed to "arz", which was a German diminuitive suffix.
The surname can also be seen as a variation of the name Schroder, which was derived from the occupation of someone who sells fabric.
Variants of the surname Schaffarz can also be seen around the Czech Republic, where the surnames Schaefer, Scheffer, Schaferitz, Schaffer or Schaffertz can be seen. Around Austria, surnames such as Schaffarz or Schaffman could be encountered.
In the United States, Schaffarz is spelled variously; Schaefer, Schaff, Schaffer, Schaffer and Schafferitz. The various spellings can also be seen in the UK, Canada, Indonesia, South Africa, France, Germany, Austria, Israel and other countries.
In all, when considering variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Schaffarz, one can see the surname having a varied and complex history, with a focus on occupations of the original bearer being a commonality between the various spellings.
Famous people with the name Schaffarz
- Jerry Schaffartz: American singer-songwriter and guitarist.
- Katja Schaffartz: German actor.
- Susanna Schaffartz: Swedish-American modernist painter.
- Anna Schaffartz: German-born American costume designer.
- Jean-Baptiste Schaffartzick: French artist who painted portraits and religious works.
- Yvonne Schaffartz: American Broadway actress.
- Walter Schaffartz: German airforce pilot.
- Johannes Schaffartz: German born American electrical engineer.
- Pieter Schaffartz: Dutch silversmith and engraver.
- Alfred Schaffartz: Austrian-born American film producer.
- Pretty Schaffartz: German born American actor.
- Leslie Schaffartz: American operatic soprano.
- Ludwig Schaffartz: German-born American banker who served on the board of several banks.
- Max Schaffartz: German-American photographer.
- Bina Schaffartz: American businesswoman and philanthropist.
- Lissette Schaffartz: Canadian-born American fashion designer.
- Nicole Schaffartz: French artist who created multimedia works of art.
- Agustina Schaffartz: Argentinian singer-songwriter, actress, and model.
- Adrián Schaffartz: Colombian soccer player.
- Magali Schaffartz: French-born American Olympic figure skater.