Surname Schefers - Meaning and Origin

Schefers: What does the surname Schefers mean?

The last name Schefers is an occupational surname derived from the Old Germanic word “scef”, meaning “shearer, shearer of wool”. It was used to describe someone who was a wool-shearer or clothier by trade. This surname can be found in locations throughout Europe, including England, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

The earliest known record of the Schefers surname dates back to 1298 in Germany. The first known bearers of the name were a Pieter and a Monicus Jans Scheer in Delfland, Netherlands. The Schefers name has been spelled in many variations, such as Schiefer, Schäfer, Schefer, Schafer and Scheffer.

Many Schefers family members throughout history have held such occupations as wool merchants, spinning mill proprietors, tanneries, workers in colonial times, and farmers. Others became successful printers, booksellers, apothecaries, or clergy.

The Schefers family has been prominent in areas of both business and politics. In 1657, its members served on the town council of Coeverden, in the Netherlands. The family has had members who became members of parliament in 1877, German vice presidents in the early 19th century, and a member of the military staff of the Prussian king in 1770.

Today, the Schefers name can still be found throughout the world. It is a proud and noble name, having produced many successful and well-regarded individuals throughout history.

Schefers: Where does the name Schefers come from?

The last name Schefers is most commonly found in the North and Baltic Regions of Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The Schefers name is an ancient Germanic name, often noted as being derived from a German word for "scabbard" or a "sheath."

While Schefers is still commonly found throughout these areas of Europe, there are now an increasing number of Schefers families found in the United States. This is likely due to migration patterns from the 18th and 19th century, when many Europeans immigrated to the United States. Currently, the highest concentrations of Schefers populations can be found in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Connections between these different Schefers populations can be found in the 21st century through genetic testing, online genealogy databases and reunion centers around the world, such as Schefers Connect. There is evidence of this surname being found in England and Wales since the 1700s also.

Though their geographical concentrations might have changed throughout the centuries, generations of Schefers families have maintained a proud, shared history and cultural identity.

Variations of the surname Schefers

The surname Schefers is thought to have originated in Germany. It is typically spelled as "Scheffer" or "Schaefer," although other variations exist and have been seen in modern times. The spelling "Scheffer" is of Dutch origin and often found in the Netherlands and surrounding countries. The spelling "Schaefer" or "Schäfer" is the German spelling and is most common in Germany and Germany-speaking countries.

Variants of the surname "Schefers" include "Schaaffers," "Shaeffer," "Scheaffer," "Scheipers," "Schaiffer," "Scheop," "Schepper," and "Schaffer," among others. Additionally, variations of the spelling "Schaefer" have become widespread throughout the United States, with alternative spellings such as "Schaeffer," "Shafer," "Schaffer," and "Shaffer."

Surnames of related origin include "Schaffle," "Schefferle," "Sheffer," "Schiffer," "Scheffler," and "Schafle," which are all thought to have been derived from the German word "Schaf," meaning "sheep." This is because the original bearers of the surname were once sheepherders or farmers who raised sheep.

The spelling "Schefers" is quite rare compared to the other, more commonly seen spellings, and is generally found in countries such as the Netherlands and Germany. It is also considered to be a fairly modern variation of the surname, first appearing around the 19th century.

Famous people with the name Schefers

• Amber Schefers: Pop singer and actress who is widely known for her single, "Old Bones".
• Joe Schefers: Former Major League Baseball player who played for the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Monarchs.
• Abe Schefers: Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched for the New York Mets from 1957-1962.
• Eric Schefers: Darts player who won the 2017 International Darts Open.
• Joe Schefers: Professional rally and off-road racing driver.
• Heidi Schefers: Nordic Combined skier who competed at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics.
• Aden Schefers: American-Canadian soccer player who currently plays for the Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer.
• Karen Schefers: Major League Baseball executive who currently serves as the VP of Legal Affairs and Labor Relations.
• Abbey Schefers: Figure skater who won the silver medal at the 2018 U.S. National Championships.
• Roy Schefers: German professional footballer who currently plays for Holstein Kiel in the 2. Bundesliga.

Other surnames

SchefenackerSchefer