What does the surname Shaefer mean?

The surname Shaefer means "A shepherd or one who tends sheep.". It is of German origin.

How common is the Shaefer surname?

There are approximately 12,000 people with the surname Shaefer in the United States.

Are there Shaefer soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 124 soldiers with the Shaefer surname appear in Civil War records.

Shaefer

Occupational

Meaning

A shepherd or one who tends sheep.

Etymology

Derived from the German 'Schäfer' meaning shepherd, from Middle High German 'schaf' meaning sheep. The surname originated as an occupational name for someone engaged in shepherding.

About the Shaefer Surname

A German occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a shepherd. The name has various spelling variants reflecting different regional pronunciations and anglicization patterns.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 12,000 bearers in the United States #1,040 most common surname

Rare Common

Found in German-speaking regions and among German-American communities in North America.

Shaefer Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Shaefer Surname

Grace Shaefer

Quick Facts

Origin: German
Classification: Occupational
Earliest Record: Medieval Germany
Estimated Bearers: 12,000

War Records

124 soldiers with the Shaefer surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →