Surname Schafler - Meaning and Origin
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Schafler: What does the surname Schafler mean?
The last name Schafler is a German surname of uncertain origin. It may be derived from the German word “schaf”, meaning “sheep”, with the suffix “ler” indicating an occupational name – most likely a sheepherder or shepherd. Alternatively, it may be derived from the word “Schaflehrer”, meaning “teacher of sheep”.
The name is found most commonly in Germany and some areas of Austria, although it is also found in other parts of Europe, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Variations of the name include Schaflehr, Schäfer, Schafer, Schauer, Zschäfer, and Chafer.
The name is likely linked to the occupation of animal husbandry, as it is derived from the sheepherding tradition. Animal husbandry has been a necessary part of German life for centuries, and the presence of the Schafler name demonstrates the longevity of that tradition.
The Schafler name is not particularly common, though it is fairly widespread among German-speaking populations. The variations in the spelling of the name also shows how it has changed over the course of time. This is an interesting reminder of the physical and cultural movements of the past.
Order DNA origin analysisSchafler: Where does the name Schafler come from?
The Schafer name is most commonly found in Europe today, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. In the early 1800s, the Schafler family originated in what is now southern Germany and Bohemia. In the early part of the 19th century, they moved to Eastern Europe, then later to North and South America.
Today, the Schafler name is most commonly found in Germany, followed by Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and the United States. There is also a considerable presence in Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and other countries with high numbers of German immigrants.
In the United States, the Schafler surname is currently the 4,042nd most common last name. Its highest populations are in Nebraska and Missouri. In Mexico, it ranks 1,628th most common name while in Canada, it is the 2,118th most common.
The Schafler family has a long history in Europe and America, and is continuing to grow and spread to other countries. Many members of the Schafler family have left a lasting legacy. From inventors and musicians to entrepreneurs and politicians, the Schafler name has made an impact on various parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Schafler
The surname Schafler is primarily found in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is believed to have originated from a Germanic personal name, meaning “shepherd.” Over time, the surname has evolved in a variety of forms and spellings. Some variations of the Schafler surname include Schafler, Schäfler, Schaeffer, Shaeffer, Scheffler, Shaffer, Schaefler, Schaefeler, Schaffler, Schaeffler, Shafler, Shauler and Schavaler.
Other spellings, which are also derived from the same Germanic language, are Schaffer, Schaefer, Schaeffer, and Schaefeler. In some cases, the surname may have also become Schauler or Shauler. This is likely due to dialects, which can be heard in different parts of the region.
The Schafler surname is also found in many countries across Europe, including France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. In particular, it is especially common in central Europe, particularly in Austria and Switzerland, where it continues to be a popular surname.
The English equivalent of the name is presumably Shepherd, although it can also be spelled as Shepperd or Shephard. Additionally, the Jewish variant of Schafler could be spelled Shapira or Schapiro, although this spelling is less common.
Overall, there is an assortment of spelling and surname variations to the Germanic name Schafler, each with its own distinct history and origin.
Famous people with the name Schafler
- Joseph Schaffler: a celebrated Yiddish novelist, playwright, poet, and essayist in the 20th century.
- Abel Schaffler: a German classical scholar, composer, historian, and writer of the 18th century.
- Rebecca Schaffler: a German-American journalist who wrote extensively on the Holocaust during the 1940s.
- Christian Schaffler: a successful 19th century German entrepreneur and politician.
- Joseph Schaffler: a renowned German architect in the 19th century
- Carl Schaffler: an influential Viennese brewer and proprietor of the Schaffler brewery.
- Enoch Schaffler: an American rabbi and Jewish leader in the 19th century.
- Hans Schaffler: a 19th century German theologian and philosopher.
- Anton Schaffler: a late 19th century German art collector and patron of the arts.
- Christopher Schaffler: an early 20th century German industrialist and philanthropist.