Surname Scheffran - Meaning and Origin

Scheffran: What does the surname Scheffran mean?

The last name Scheffran is of German origin, and is derived from the old German phrase “schefran” which translates to “one who makes a living through steel and iron”. This indicates that the family originated as blacksmiths or iron-smiths. The name came into use in the mid-13th century during the medieval period in Germany, specifically in the regions which today are Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg.

Since the word “schefran” is derived from “schleifen” – the metal-forging process of grinding down an edge – it’s obvious that in the past, many Scheffran families gained their livelihoods from the skills associated with this labour-intensive craft. In addition to blacksmiths and furriers, many Scheffran families worked as weaponsmiths and swordsmiths. It’s likely that these skills were passed down from generation to generation, with the family always selecting professions requiring metalworking or skilled labour.

Today, Scheffran families are likely to have diversified into various occupations, as is common with other family names that have been around for centuries. Many Scheffrans may now be involved in trades like baking, carpentry, farming, and other skilled and unskilled labor. Regardless of the modern-day occupation, Scheffran families have been associated with the working of metal and labor since the medieval period – a proud distinction that still holds true today.

Scheffran: Where does the name Scheffran come from?

The last name Scheffran is most commonly found today in Germany and parts of Central Europe. It likely originated from an area near the Rhine River, as that was the main trading route for centuries. It's likely the name is derived from an older word meaning 'shepherd'.

The name appears to have been used in different versions and spellings over centuries, including:'Scheffen','Scheffenen','Scheffting','Scheffer','Scheffran','Sheffern','Sheffren','Sheffen','and Sheffrin'.

Today, the last name Scheffran is primarily concentrated in two areas – Germany and parts of Switzerland, though it is also present in other countries in smaller numbers.

In Germany, the name Scheffran can be found in many regions, particularly in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Lower Saxony. Rhineland-Palatinate has the most concentration of Scheffrans there, with a particularly high number of people in the towns of Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Koblenz. Other German states with a significant Scheffran presence include Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Hesse.

In Switzerland, the name Scheffran may also be found in larger concentrations, but is still far less common than in Germany. It can be found mostly in the larger cities, such as Zurich and Lausanne.

The name Scheffran is also found in various other European countries, including Italy, Austria, Netherlands, France, & Poland, though the concentration is much lower than in Germany and Switzerland.

Variations of the surname Scheffran

The surname Scheffran is pronounced differently by different countries. Depending on the country of origin, the surname Scheffran is spelled differently.

In Germany it is spelled Schäffran, while in Austria it is spelled Schäffran, in Switzerland it is spelled Schäffron, and in the Netherlands it is spelled Scheffers.

The variant spellings of the surname are Schäffer, Schaefer, Schaffer, Schaeffer, Shaffer, Sheffer, Shafer, Shauffer, Shiffer, Scheffer, Schaeffner, Schaeffer, Schaeffner, Scheffen, Scheffen, and Scheffran.

The surname Sheffer is also a variant spelling of the surname Scheffran. It is a German patronymic name meaning son of Scheffran.

Other surnames that have the same origin as Scheffran include Schafer, Scheffler, Schick, Schmick, Schnicke, Schnicker, and Schumann. All these surnames are variants of the surname Scheffran and have the same meaning and origin.

The surname Scheffran is derived from the German name Sceffran which means "scribe" or "writer". It is an occupational name and indicates that the original bearer of the name worked as a scribe or writer. Over time, the surname has spread throughout Europe and its variant forms and spellings have evolved with it.

Famous people with the name Scheffran

• Bernd Scheffran: German geographer and political scientist.
• Alexander von Scheffran: German general and military leader.
• Billy Scheffran: American professional wrestler.
• Jan-Philipp Scheffran: German dancer and choreographer.
• Michael Scheffran: German scientist known for his research in geography, energy and environmental sciences.
• Thomas Scheffran: German psychologist and criminologist.
• Alfred Scheffran: German industrialist.
• Matthias Scheffran: German polymath and philosopher.
• Joe Scheffran: American baseball player.
• Guido Scheffran: German artist and photographer.

Other surnames

Scheffrahn