Surname Scharpf - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Scharpf: What does the surname Scharpf mean?
Scharpf is a German surname derived from Old High German words “scarpf,” meaning “small bird” or “sparrow,” and “scharf” meaning “sharp.” The name is believed to be derived from Old High German first names using the element “scarpfe” or “scharf”. This suggests that the name originally referred to a person known for their sharp wit.
The earliest records of the Scharpf name dates back to the 13th century with the Scharpf family crest, which is described as a background of a silver shield with a gold bow in the center, surrounded by eight red arrows. This crest is symbolic of the family’s origin.
Variants of the Scharpf name include Scherff, Scharfe, and Schurf, and all of which have been found in records from numerous regions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The Scharpf surname is not particularly common. According to the 2019 U.S. Census, Scharpf was only the 6,295th most common surname in the United States, and the 11,449th most common name in Germany.
However, despite its lower relative frequency, the Scharpf family continues to be an influential one. Johannes Scharpf, a German politician and business director, is well-known for his contributions to Germany’s post-war economic reconstruction. His father Hans Scharpf was an acclaimed WWI veteran and awarded the Iron Cross.
Overall, the Scharpf surname is a meaningful part of history and projects sharp wit and intelligence as its primary characteristic. Although uncommon, Scharpf families have left an impact on the world with their contributions.
Order DNA origin analysisScharpf: Where does the name Scharpf come from?
The name Scharpf is most commonly found in Germany, where it is estimated that over 3,000 people currently share the surname. The name is often carried by German citizens of both Jewish and Protestant backgrounds. Additionally, the name can be found throughout Europe, with smaller populations in France, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Switzerland. The largest population outside of Germany is in the United States, where an estimated 1,700 people currently share the Scharpf name.
The name is likely derived from the German word "scharpfen," which means to sharpen or to make sharp. As such, many scholars believe the Scharpf name was used in the Middle Ages to denote a blacksmith or other metalworker, since it was associated with the skill of creating and sharpening tools. This is reflected in the coat of arms for the name Scharpf, which prominently displays an inverted hammer and two swords crossed behind it.
Today, many Scharpfs continue to be involved with metalwork, as well as other historically German trades, like woodworking and masonry. Many others have gone on to pursue professional alcoves in the modern era, winning acclaim and recognition in areas such as politics, academics, business, and the arts. Overall, the Scharpf family is a diverse community, united by both the name and the shared history of the German people.
Variations of the surname Scharpf
The surname Scharpf is of German origin which means "harsh, fierce". Variants of the surname Scharpf include Scharpff, Scharff, Scharpe and Scharpfel.
Spellings of the surname Scharpf include Scharpfe, Scharpffer, Scharpfeffer, Scharpffer, Scharff, Scharf, Scharfep, Scharfepf, Scharfepfe, Scharffep, Scharffe, Scharffep, Scharffepf, Scharppe, Sharff, Sharffe, and Sharpp.
Surnames with the same origin of Scharpf can also include Sharpf, Sharks, Sharp, Sharriff, Sharker, Sharpey, Dorfman, Kerfman, Sharpel, Scharfen, Sharfstein, and Shearpshina.
In the United States, The population of the Scharpf surname is most concentrated in Pennsylvania, which is where the surname came to the United States in the mid-1800’s. Due to immigration, the surname is currently found in other states such as California, Texas, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Washington.
The most common countries where the surname Scharpf is found are Germany, the United States, and Switzerland. It is also possible to find the surname in Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, and Hungary.
Famous people with the name Scharpf
- Christine Scharpf: A public policy expert from Germany who is the Chair of the Wiener Institut für Internationale Wirtschaftsvergleiche.
- Fritz W. Scharpf: A German social science researcher and professor at Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.
- Harriet Scharpf: A German-Jewish refugee who worked as a nurse in Shanghai, China, during the Second World War.
- Michael Scharpf: A former German boxer who won a bronze medal at the 1995 World Amateur Boxing Championships.
- Peter Scharpf: A German film director whose notable works include the drama Mary Mom and the romantic comedy My Best Friend's Wedding.
- Muma Scharpf: An American-born actress and theater producer from Montreal, Quebec. She is best known for her short films and on-stage performances.
- Robert Scharpf: An American immunologist who is a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine, and director of the Translational Immunology Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Sarah Scharpf: A German screenwriter whose works include the 2003 romantic comedy Residue.
- Sebastian Scharpf: A German contemporary artist whose works are exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.
- Sven Scharpf: A German professional footballer who plays as a left midfielder for Hertha BSC.