Surname Schieff - Meaning and Origin
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Schieff: What does the surname Schieff mean?
The last name Schieff (also spelled Scheiff, Scheif, Schief, Scheiff or Scheif) is of Germanic origin and has many variations of spelling, making its meaning and origin somewhat difficult to trace. It is believed to come from the Middle High German words 'schieffen' or 'schieb', which can mean 'to cut' or 'to push'. This could indicate that the name was originally given to a person with a job in metalworking or woodworking, someone who cut, pushed and moved materials.
Alternatively, the name could also come from the word 'schiff', which is German for 'ship'. This could imply a connection to seafaring people, or perhaps with certain trades involving ships, such as boatbuilding or repairing and sailing.
The spelling variations of the name may also reflect its regional origins, though these exact origins remain unconfirmed. People bearing the Schieff name are known to exist in the United States as well as throughout Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland.
The surname Schieff has been carried on for countless generations, making it difficult to trace its exact origins. It has adapted to various cultures and changed its spelling and meaning over time. Through this, the name has evolved with the time, with its many variations signifying a deep-rooted history that is still felt today.
Order DNA origin analysisSchieff: Where does the name Schieff come from?
The last name Schieff is most commonly found in Germany. It is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "schiff" meaning "ship" or "sail boat." It is believed it originated from a nickname, or an occupational name, as a sailor. The Schieff surname can be found primarily in the southwestern regions of Germany, specifically in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden- Württemberg, Hesse. It is contemporaries also in Switzerland, Austria, Silesia, and Bohemia. Furthermore, the southern regions of the Netherlands may also report this surname.
Immigration records indicate that the Schieff family established itself in the United States and Canada during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The earliest of those records being in 1709, when a Herman Jacob Schieff arrived in Philadelphia, Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania. Later records recorded trips to Canada from Germany by Schieff family members, particularly in the 1880s. In more recent years, the last name Schieff has spread throughout the world. It is less concentrated in Germany and now can be found in various cities throughout Europe, Asia, and America.
Variations of the surname Schieff
Schieff is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic personal name “Scheiffer” or “Schiffer”, meaning “boatman” or “sailor”. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Schieff include:
Scheiff, Schief, Scheife, Scheeff, Schiffs, Schif, Schiffe, Schifferes, Schyff, Schyffe, Schys, Schyfferes, Shief, Shiffs, Skife, Skiffe, Skifferes, Skifferesse, Skiffers, Skyffe, and Skyfferes.
In the United States, Schieff has been Anglicized to spellings such as Shiff, Schiff, Schif, Shief, or Shife. The spelling Sheeff, Sheaiff, or Shefe can also be found in some records.
The surname Schieff is found throughout Germany, as well as in other countries where German communities have settled, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina. It can also be found in other countries, such as France, Denmark, England, and Ireland.
Surnames of the same origin include Schiffer, Scheifferie, Scheifferling, Scheiffers, Schiffers, Scheifers, Schifferle, Shifflett, and Schyffel.
Famous people with the name Schieff
- Erich Schieff: Erich Schieff is a German theatre and film actor, best known for his roles in the films Judge Not!, Auf Achse, and Die Deutschmeister (The German Masters).
- Tom Schieffer: Tom Schieffer is an American businessman, diplomat, and politician. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Japan and was a candidate for the 2008 Texas gubernatorial election.
- Pauwel Schieff: Pauwel Schieff was a 17th-century Flemish textile designer and painter. He perfected the skill of weaving vibrant colours into fabrics, and his designs were widely copied throughout Europe.
- Dirk Schieff: Dirk Schieff is a German academic and lawyer who specialises in criminal and sports law. He is a professor at the Institute of Sport Science, Justus Liebig University of Giessen in Germany.
- Julian Schieff: Julian Schieff is a German footballer who plays for FC Basel in the Swiss Super League. He has also represented Germany at Under-17 and Under-18 levels.
- Florens Schieff: Florens Schieff is a German photographer. He has photographed some of the country's most iconic locations, including the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall.
- Gary Schieff: Gary Schieff is a Canadian photographer and filmmaker. He is best known for his work in natural history television and documentary films.
- Jan Schieff: Jan Schieff is a German-born operatic baritone. He studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and has performed at some of Europe's top opera houses.