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

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

Notable Bearers

Unknown

People with the Shaefer Surname

Grace Shaefer