Surname Schäfler - Meaning and Origin
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Schäfler: What does the surname Schäfler mean?
The surname Schäfler is an occupational hereditary surname and hails from Germany or Austria. It is derived from the German and Austrian word "Schäfer" which refers to a shepherd or a cattle herder. Individuals with the surname Schäfler were likely once farmers or shepherds who tended to sheep or other livestock, either as part of their livelihood or as a hobby.
The name Schäfler can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was common for families to adopt surnames that were based on their occupation or profession. As a result, occupational surnames such as Schäfler became very popular among certain sections of society. This meant that these names often stayed within their families for many generations.
Today, the name Schäfler is still popular among German and Austrian families who still enjoy keeping a variety of livestock. Not all people with the surname Schäfler are still farmers or shepherds, however, and many of them are likely to have taken on other roles in the community.
The name Schäfler is also found in other countries, including the United States and Canada, mostly thanks to the migration of German settlers who brought their names and traditions with them.
Overall, the surname Schäfler is a proud reminder of a family's past tradition of herding and farming, and is a testament to the hard work of those who have come before.
Order DNA origin analysisSchäfler: Where does the name Schäfler come from?
The Schäfler surname is found primarily in Germany today, particularly in the state of Bavaria. It may have originated from the German word "schäfler", which means "shepherd". The name is also common across the German-speaking countries of Austria and Switzerland and can be found in other parts of the German-speaking world, including the Netherlands and Eastern Europe.
In the local German language, the spelling of "Schäfler" varies depending on the region, for instance "Schäfer" in the north of Germany, "Schöfler" in the central regions and "Seifler" in the south.
In the US, the surname Schäfler is closely associated with German immigrants and their descendants, particularly in areas of the Midwest and the West Coast which were historically heavily populated by German Americans. In Pennsylvania, the Schäfler surname has "cousin" variants such as Schöfler, Schuflar and Schyfler, which are also seen in other parts of the US.
Outside of the German-speaking world, Schäfler can be found in suburbs of major cities such as Toronto in Canada, London in the UK, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, and several cities in New Zealand.
In modern times, the Schäfler surname can be found across all of Germany and much of the German-speaking world, as well as in several places across North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Schäfler
Schäfler is a German surname derived from the word "Schäfer," which means "shepherd." It is most commonly spelled "Schäfler" but can also be spelled "Schäfer," "Schaefler," "Schaefer," "Schafer," and "Schäffer." There are also various variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin as Schäfler. Some of these include:
Schaffler: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” It is most commonly seen as a Jewish surname.
Schaflein: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen as a Swabian surname.
Schaffer: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” A common surname seen throughout Europe, the United States and Canada.
Schaefel: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen with citizens of Bavaria.
Schaffel: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen with citizens of Bavaria.
Schipple: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen with citizens of Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Schaffner: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen with citizens of Bavaria.
Schüffler: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen with citizens of Germany.
Schiffler: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen with citizens of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
Schiffle: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen with citizens of Bavaria.
Schiffer: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen with citizens of Bavaria.
Schiffeler: Derived from Schäfer, meaning “shepherd.” Commonly seen with citizens of Germany.
The vast majority of these variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin as Schäfler are mainly seen in German-speaking countries, though there are some that are associated with different nationalities such as Danish, Dutch, and Austrian citizens.
Famous people with the name Schäfler
- Alexander Schäfler: Alexander Schäfler is a German professional chess player and former FIDE Master.
- Georg Schäfler: Georg Schäfler was a German World War I fighter ace credited with 58 aerial victories in the conflict.
- David Schäfler: David Schäfler is a German violist who has been performing and teaching internationally for over 20 years.
- Niklaus Schäfler: Niklaus Schäfler is a Swiss mathematician, professor of applied mathematics and physics at ETH Zurich.
- Ingrid Schäfler: Ingrid Schäfler is a German film and television actress who is best known for her roles in German television series.
- Alois Schäfler: Alois Schäfler was a German writer best known for his children's books and fantasy fiction.
- Paul Schäfler: Paul Schäfler was an Austrian engineer and inventor who held numerous patents related to aviation and motor vehicles.
- Ursula Schäfler: Ursula Schäfler is a German politician and member of the Free Democratic Party.
- Jerome Schäfler: Jerome Schäfler is a German-born American former professional basketball player.
- Lazar Schäfler: Lazar Schäfler was a Hungarian writer and theatre director.