Surname Schäffner - Meaning and Origin

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O. Schäffner

Schäffner: What does the surname Schäffner mean?

The last name Schäffner is of German origin and is a locational name derived from the place-name Schaffen in present-day Belgium. Place-names were often taken as surnames by families who lived near or had ancestry originating from the place bearing the name. The name Schäffner literally translates as 'sheep-keeper' in German, derived from the Middle High German word ‘schafer’. In the area of Schaffen, sheep-farming was a major way of life and so the surname was likely first adopted to mark an association with the work of sheep-keeping. Over time, the surname became associated with the family rather than the occupation, and today it is thought to be linked with a broad range of people, though it is still most popular amongst people from the Belgian area of Schaffen. It is a common surname across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and has been adopted by various migrant populations around the world.

Schäffner: Where does the name Schäffner come from?

The last name Schäffner is most commonly found in Germany today. It is also common in Austria, where it is spelled Schäffner or Schaeffner as well as in Switzerland, where it is sometimes spelled Schaefner.

The surname Schäffner is most likely descended from an ancestor who originally held a job as a tailor, Schaffner, or clothier. This type of profession was common during the Middle Ages, with those who were skilled in this area receiving favorable terms and working conditions. Over time, the title of Schaffner was adopted as a surname by some of these individuals.

The majority of those who bear the last name Schäffner today are found in Germany, although there are a few scattered cases elsewhere in Europe and North America. In Germany today, the Schäffner surname is most common in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Houses with this last name are also found in smaller numbers in the states of Saxony, Thuringia, Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the Saarland.

In terms of international distribution, the surname Schäffner is found in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, applicable Caribbean islands, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India.

Variations of the surname Schäffner

The surnames Schäffner, Schaeffner, and Schaefner are all variants of the same origin. All of them stem from the Middle High German word “schaffner” which was a title given to someone responsible for the care of flocks and herds in a region, most commonly one associated with an abbey or monastery. The title of “Schäffner” (roughly meaning “shepherd”) was popularly given to professional animal herders as well as to those who conducted business with them.

The word “Schäffner” has many spelling variations as time went on. The modern German, “Schäffner” is the most commonly used form; however, it is also spelled as “Schaeffner” and “Schaefner.” The addition of the umlaut (ö) in the spelling adds a more formal and archaic feel to the name and the use of the “ae” combination is often used to soften the pronunciation of the “ä” sound. All of these spellings are acceptable and can be found in modern records.

The use of this name is not specific to any one area, as it was popular in both Germany and France during the Middle Ages, and in some cases can still be found today. Also, the title of “Schäffner” extended to many occupational fields, so even people who were not actual shepherds could have inherited the surname Schäffner.

Throughout its long history, the surname Schäffner has been adopted by many families, with surnames such as Schaffner, Schaffer, and Schaefer being derived from it as well. Despite some spelling variations, all of these names hold the same original meaning and come from a long line of families with a rich history.

Famous people with the name Schäffner

• Benedikt Schäffner: a German actor, film producer and director.
• Walter Schäffner: Austrian architect and distinguised professor at Vienna University of Technology.
• Alexander Schäffner: a former East German slalom canoeist.
• Johannes Schäffner: Austrian sculptor who designed the German memorial at Mauthausen.
• Christian Schäffner: a Catholic theologian and professor.
• Konrad Schäffner: member of the German Baroque era family of builders and woodcarvers from Saxony.
• Martin Schäffner: a German national basketball team player.
• Kurt Schäffner: a competitive swimmer and six time Olympic medalist.
• Robert Schäffner: a German physicist and experimental physicist/engineer.
• Adrian Schäffner: Austrian politician and author.
• Angela Schäffner: a German demographer and geographer.
• Lenka Schäffnerová: Czech novelist.

Other surnames

Schaffnit