Surname Scherer - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Unraveling My Family's Past: A Discovery of the Scherer Lineage Through DNA Analysis
Discover how a simple DNA test with iGENEA unveiled a fascinating in-depth journey back into the roots of my family name, Scherer. Tracing the ancestral path, identifying unknown relatives, and understanding my health in a whole new light, this journey redefined my perception of my identity.
Y. Scherer
read moreScherer: What does the surname Scherer mean?
The surname Scherer is derived from the German verb "schären", meaning "to shear". Therefore, it is an occupational surname for a person who either crafted or used shearing instruments, such as someone who worked as a tailor or a barber. These professions historically involve the cutting or shearing of cloth or hair. The name may have been originally given to a particularly skilled shearer or cutter who came to be identified by their trade. Thus, the surname Scherer indicates a family history connected to these occupations. Over time, as surnames became hereditary, the direct occupational relevance may have become less significant, but it still serves as a link to one's ancestral past.
Order DNA origin analysisScherer: Where does the name Scherer come from?
The last name Scherer is most commonly found today in Germany and the United States. In Germany, the surname is particularly prominent in the southern states of Bavaria and Baden Württemberg, ranking 8th and 10th respectively on a list of the most common surnames in the country. In the US, there are over 78,000 people with the Scherer surname, according to the latest census figures, making it the 41st most frequently found last name in the country. The states with the greatest concentration of Scherers are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and New York.
The Scherer surname is likely German in origin, derived from the Old German word ‘schere,’ meaning ‘shear/cut.’ The name is thought to have either referred to a barber or hair-dresser or denoted someone skilled in using a knife or shears.
The Scherers have a long and rich history in the United States of America. The earliest recorded members of the family, Philip and Catharine Scherer, arrived in Pennsylvania from Bavaria in 1848, settling in Berks Country before later moving to Ohio. In the 20th century, Franz Philipp Scherer set up a research center in Wisconsin to explore the jurisdictional and legal issues that farmers faced. His later generations have continued this important work.
Today, the Scherer family tree continues to expand, with members living all around the world. The Scherers are a premier example of the immigrant spirit as they have been able to settle and succeed in new countries, while at the same time remaining true to their family heritage.
Variations of the surname Scherer
The surname Scherer is a German variation of the more well-known English surname, Shepherd. It can be spelt in various ways, including Scherr, Schnurer, Schier, Schierl, Scherrer, Sherrer, Shirer, and Sherer.
Scherer is derived from the Germanic word “scēo”, which in Old English meant “shepherd”. The origin of the name can be traced back to medieval days, where it was used primarily to refer to someone who took care of sheep. Over time, the name evolved and began to be used as a surname as well.
In addition to the various spellings of Scherer, many related surnames have also evolved as a result of alterations in language. These include Sceffer, Schieffer, Schiefer, Scheffer, Schiefer, Schefer, Scherfer, Schaffer, Schaffner, Scherff, Scheeffer, and Scheffel. There is also the variant Scherf that has developed in the Low Countries of Northwestern Europe.
In America, the Scherer surname is not as common as in its native Germanic countries, having only been brought over by settlers in the late nineteenth century. Today, Scherer is most commonly found among German-American populations, and is often associated with occupations such as general labor work, farming, and teaching.
Famous people with the name Scherer
- Michael Scherer: Time magazine special correspondent and author
- Tony Scherer: Professional Poker Player
- Sandy Scherer: Professional Lingerie Football League Player
- Matt Scherer: Former Professional Basketball Player
- Paul Scherer: Professor of Physics at Lewis & Clark College
- Wolfgang Scherer: German military officer
- Karl Scherer: Austrian mathematician and priest
- Doug Scherer: former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Ray Scherer: Emmy award-winning television news anchor
- Dan Scherer: Congressman from Missouri representing the 8th Congressional District