Surname Schaifele - Meaning and Origin

Schaifele: What does the surname Schaifele mean?

The last name Schaifele is an occupational surname of German origin. It is derived from the Old German words “schaff” meaning “worker” and “heil” meaning “woodcutter”. Thus, Schaifele literally translates to “woodcutter”.

This surname was most likely given to individuals who were employed as a woodcutter, a profession that was common in parts of Europe during the Middle Ages. Woodcutters not only chopped wood for the winter, but also created tools, planks for construction and wooden implements. Additionally, they harvested and collected firewood to sell.

The most common variant of the Schaifele surname is Schaeffer. Both are linked to a particular trade or specific skill, as were many surnames in the Middle Ages. Additionally, variations of the Schaifele surname appear in multiple languages and countries. For instance: in French, the surname is spelled Chaifele; in Dutch, it’s Schaeijfel; and in Italian, it’s Scarafillo.

Today, the Schaifele surname is found predominantly in Germany, but it is also quite common in Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark. It is a unique and meaningful way to commemorate the life of generations before.

Schaifele: Where does the name Schaifele come from?

The last name Schaifele is a relatively uncommon and rare name. Its origin is unclear, but some believe it is rooted in Germanic origins. It has been suggested that the name might have originated from the German word "Schiefe Lände" which means sloping land or an area with uneven surfaces.

The Schaifele surname is seen most commonly in the United States. It first appeared in 1790 in Pennsylvania, and has been found in several other states and regions, including New York, Wisconsin, Washington State, Colorado, Utah, and California. In Ohio, the name appears to have been slightly more prevalent, with records for Schaifele families found as early as 1840 in the city of Cleveland.

The Schaifele surname is not an overly popular name today. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2020 there were approximately 1,322 people with the last name Schaifele in the United States. Thus, it appears that Schaifele is still a relatively uncommon name in the United States.

Variations of the surname Schaifele

The surname Schaifele is derived from either the German/Old Swiss German, or the Czech variation of the surname.

In German/Old Swiss German, the surname can be spelled in various ways: Schäfele, Schafle, Schafhele, Schafeli, Schaufele, or Schäflein. These spellings can all be traced back to the same origin, as they are merely variant spellings of the same name.

In Czech, the primary spelling of the surname is Šáfele. This spelling, along with other possible variations including Šafele, Šafele, Šafely, and Šafel, are all related to the German spellings.

In terms of surnames derived from the same origin as Schaifele, there are many other surnames that may be related. For example, Schafers and Schafer are related Germanic options, while Šafař is derived from the Czech variation.

Other potential surnames that could be related to Schaifele include Schäffer, Schaefers, Schaefer, Schaffers, and Schaffner. Each of these names are derived from specific Germanic and Czech words which have similar origins to the Schaifele surname.

Famous people with the name Schaifele

• Mark Schiefele: Canadian Ice Hockey player who plays for the Winnipeg Jets. He was the first overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
• Christian Schiefele: German footballer and midfielder for FC Augsburg.
• Bernd Schiefele: German musician and winner of the 2007 German Rock and Pop Prize.
• Clifton Schiefele: Canadian actor, writer, director, and producer who has numerous film, television, theatre, and musical productions to his name.
• Dave Schiefele: Canadian retired soccer goalkeeper who played for clubs such as the Toronto Blizzard and the Toronto Italia.
• Martin Schiefele: German former footballer who played a forward for clubs such as FC Pforzheim.
• Erich Schiefele: Austrian former nature photographer and system biologist.
• Robert Schiefele: American physicist and Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of Arkansas.
• Inge Schiefele: German former figure skater who competed in the pairs discipline as well as in ice dancing.
• Bernhard Schiefele: German former politician and journalist.

Other surnames

Schaifel