Shaeffer

Meaning

A shepherd or one who tends sheep.

Etymology

Derived from the German 'Schäffer' or 'Schäfer' meaning shepherd, from Middle High German 'schaf' meaning sheep. The double 'ff' represents a variant spelling of the German occupational term.

About the Shaeffer Surname

A German occupational surname for a shepherd, with the double consonant representing a common Germanic spelling convention. The name is well-established in North American German-American communities.

Distribution

Found in German-speaking regions and among German-American communities, particularly in Pennsylvania and the Midwest.

Notable Bearers

Unknown

People with the Shaeffer Surname