Surname Schiefers - Meaning and Origin
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Schiefers: What does the surname Schiefers mean?
The last name Schiefers is of German origin. It is derived from the German word "schiefer", which means "sloped, inclined, or tilt". In the Middle Ages, this name was chosen primarily for people living in areas with hilly topography, as well as those who were born with a crooked finger.
The use of the surname Schiefers may indicate a connection to a region where the Schiefers family once lived or originated from. In addition to Germany, this name can be found in other Germanic countries such as Austria and Switzerland. It is also popular in the United States, Canada and other English-speaking countries.
The modern spelling of the name is usually Schiefers, though some other variations do exist such as Schiefer and Schiffers. Some individuals with this last name may also use the prefix ‘von’, which is a noble marker commonly used in Germany. This designation usually indicates some kind of aristocratic status.
As with many German surnames, Schiefers is associated with a variety of distinguished characteristics. These include intelligence, ambition, loyalty and steadfastness, as well as strength. Furthermore, people with this name tend to have a natural leadership quality and enjoy organizing activities. Those who share the last name Schiefers are likely proud of their heritage and seek to make a mark in the world.
Order DNA origin analysisSchiefers: Where does the name Schiefers come from?
The last name Schiefers is most commonly associated with German-speaking countries, particularly in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Southwestern Germany. There are currently over 150 people who are known to have this last name, living mainly in cities such as Mainz, Trier, and Koblenz.
Outside of Germany, Schiefers can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina, usually due to immigration. It is speculated that the Schiefers family originally came from the Rhineland area sometime in the 18th century, likely settling in the states of South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota, with some people moving further west. During the 19th century, members of the family began to spread out internationally, likely due to the growth of German immigration.
Today, Schiefers can commonly be seen in German-American communities, as well as German-speaking countries. It is also possible to encounter the Schiefers family name in places such as Canada and Australia, due to further migration and intermarriage in more recent history. Although small in size, the Schiefers family remains an influential part of the German diaspora.
Variations of the surname Schiefers
The surname Schiefers is a German variant of the surname Scheffers and is often spelled Schiefer, Schifferes, Schiefers, Schifers, Schefferus, Scheffer, Scheffers, Schefférus, Scheffuer, Schiffers, Schueffers, and Schueffues. It derived from the Middle High German word “sc(h)eufer,” meaning “clay-worker,” and was likely used as an occupational surname for someone who worked in the clay and pottery industry.
The Schiefers and its spelling variations originated in various regions and countries of Europe, including Prussia, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. It may also have been adopted by Mennonites and Dutch-speaking immigrants in America.
These variations are the result of differences in language and spelling depending on the region and time in which the surname first developed and was adopted. Many of the variations come from the alternating use of “Sh” and “Sch,” which were both used to create the phonetic sound of the original “Sc” in Middle High German. Other variations stem from a tendency to double consonants, where the “f” is replaced by a “ff” when they appear near the end of a word.
The surname Schiefers is not particularly common in the United States, as few used it during the influx of immigration from European countries in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, the spelling variations are occasionally found among those of German or Dutch descent, as well as among Mennonites.
Famous people with the name Schiefers
- Frederick Schiefer: American Post-Impressionist Artist
- Robert Schiefer: German Formula One racing driver
- Lauren Schiefer: Canadian Paralympic swimmer
- Joseph Schiefer: American World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient
- Richard Schiefer: German television vocalist and actor
- Roman Schiefer: Argentine historian
- Arthur Schiefer: German politician
- Nicola Schiefer: German lawyer and entrepreneur
- Peter Schiefer: Austrian actor
- Florentin Schiefer: German former footballer
- Maximilian Schiefer: German ice hockey player
- Gustav Schiefer: Austrian Olympic shooter
- Mario Schiefer: Austrian sport shooter
- Katharina Schiefer: Austrian-American artist
- Robert Schiefer Jr.: American businessman and political fundraiser
- Elizabeth Schiefer: American professional golfer
- Clemens Schiefer: Austrian musician
- Elisabeth Schiefer: German photographer
- Sonja Schiefer: Austrian author and poet
- Clemens Schiefer: Austrian concert pianist