Surname Schieffelin - Meaning and Origin
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Schieffelin: What does the surname Schieffelin mean?
The last name Schieffelin is a German surname derived from the word Scheibling, which translates to “little brother.” The name is believed to have originated in the 12th century and is found in Germany, Austria, and Slovakia.
The roots of the name Schieffelin are uncertain; some believe that it indicates a relation to a family that once owned an estate or a farm. For instance, in the Middle Ages, it was common practice for noble families to give their names to their fields, or “Scheiblingen”. Alternatively, some suggest that the family was of German-Jewish origin and were originally from the town of Schiefel in the former territory of the Holy Roman Empire.
In any case, the word Scheibling became adopted into many other languages and dialects, including Dutch (scheveling), French (sieffeling), and English (chafling). It is also associated with many of other names like Schiefenberg, Schiflein, Schifley, and Schippel.
The Schieffelin surname is still found in Europe and North America today. Most of its current bearers have Germanic descent, though there are many people with other backgrounds who take on the name. Several prominent people who bear the name include Augustus Schieffelin, an American pharmacist and inventor; William Young Schieffelin, a Southern entrepreneur; and Herbert Schieffelin Jr., a famed ornithologist.
Order DNA origin analysisSchieffelin: Where does the name Schieffelin come from?
The last name Schieffelin is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast regions. It is also common in some parts of Canada, mainly in the eastern provinces. The origin of the name is thought to be German but it is also possible it can be traced back to Poland or the Netherlands.
The earliest documented member of the Schieffelin family is thought to be Jacob Schieffelin, who was born in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany in 1718. The Schieffelins are thought to have emigrated to America in the early nineteenth century, with their first known ancestor, John Schieffelin, coming to the United States in 1785 and settling in Pennsylvania.
Today, Schieffelin families can be found mainly in urban areas of the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. There is also a significant population of Schieffelins living in the capital of Canada, Ottawa.
The Schieffelin surname is relatively uncommon in many parts of the world, with only a few thousand people carrying it. However, in certain parts of the United States, it is still relatively common, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. In Canada, the Schieffelin family name is less common, although it is still found in communities in Ottawa.
Variations of the surname Schieffelin
The Schieffelin surname has numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, such as Schiefelbein, Schiefelbeien, Schiefelbin, Schiefelbehn, Schuffelbein, Schuffelbine, Schuffelbin, Schiefelein, Schiefelein, Shiffelbine, Schiffelbine, Schiffelbin, Schaefelbein, Schaefelbin, Schaefefein, Schaefelbehn, Schafelbein, Schafelbin, Sheffelbein, Scheffelein, Shackfelbine, Shacklebine, Scaffelbine, Shiffelbine, Shiffilbine, Schippelbine, Schippelbein, Schippelbin, Schiggelbein, Schiggelbin, Schigelbine, Shouffelbein, Schouffelbine, Schouffelbin, Schouffelbehn, Shoffelbein, Shoffelbin, Shoffelbine, Shoffelbehn, Schaibelbein, Schabelbein, Schoepelbein, Schoepelbin, Shouppelbein, Shouppelbin, Schoupleman, Schuffleman, Schufflemar, Schiiffele, Schaeffele and Chappleman.
Schiefelbein is the name most often associated with Schieffelin, and its roots are likely Middle High German (MHG). It consists of the elements "scafel" meaning "shield" and "bain" meaning "bone." The shield bone suggests that this name may have been of a warrior, or someone who provided protection to others.
Schiffelbin is another surname of the same origin, which is similar to itsMHG counterpart but may have a slightly different meaning. It likely consists of the elements "schiff," meaning "boat," and "bin," meaning "enclosed by." This suggests that those with this name may have been associated with shipping or trading.
The variants and spellings of the name Schieffelin can help us to better understand the family history, context, and origins of those who bear the surname. As a result, it is important to note those variants and spellings, allowing for a more thorough exploration of the family lineage and its unique history.
Famous people with the name Schieffelin
- William Abercromby Schieffelin: He was a United States Navy officer in the Spanish-American War. He later served as the commanding officer of the cruiser USS San Francisco.
- Harry St. John Philby Schieffelin: He was an English cricketer who played for the Marylebone Cricket Club in the 19th century.
- Walter Schieffelin: He is a former politician who served two terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1901 to 1905.
- John Jacob Schieffelin: He was an American businessman in the 19th century who founded Schieffelin & Co., which later became the company Bristol-Myers Squibb.
- Delancy Schieffelin: He was a famous stockbroker who died in a duel in 1883.
- George Washington Schieffelin: He was a private in the 5th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War who was killed in action at the battle of Spottsylvania.
- Philip Schieffelin: He was a 19th century American manufacturer who was known as the "father of the modern hosiery industry".
- Elizabeth Schieffelin: She was a philanthropist who founded the Schieffelin Vintage Library, a public library in New York City in 1889.
- Edwin Schieffelin: He was a 20th century Rhodes scholar and United States Army officer who served in World War II.
- Cora Urquhart Brown-Potter: She was an American stage actress who was born as Cora Schieffelin. She was famous for her performances of Shakespearean plays.