Surname Schiffer - Meaning and Origin
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Schiffer: What does the surname Schiffer mean?
The last name Schiffer is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word “schiffer” meaning ‘shipman’, ‘boatman’ or ‘sailor’. As a result, it is believed that those with the last name Schiffer were likely descended from working-class shipsmen. In some instances, the name may have originated as a nickname or occupational name.
The surname likely appears in recorded history as far back as the 12th century in Europe. During this period, names referring to occupations and trades were common among people who had to distinguish themselves from one another. These names eventually became hereditary over generations, and the family lines associated with them as well as the spelling of the name would change over time.
The name Schiffer is found particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but also in the countries which have seen emigration of German peoples such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It has gained some traction as a given name in the United States over the last few decades as well.
So yes, the last name Schiffer means 'boatman', referring to one's profession of sailing and navigation. While it could have been passed on by name only, it was likely derived from occupation. Understanding its origins gives us a better understanding of the history of those with the last name.
Order DNA origin analysisSchiffer: Where does the name Schiffer come from?
The last name Schiffer is one of the most common German surnames, with over 20,500 people bearing the name living in Germany today. It is also quite popular in many surrounding countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Despite its prevalence in central Europe, the last name Schiffer is also found worldwide, with people carrying the last name living in countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Australia. The estimated distribution of the Schiffer name around the world is as follows:
Germany – 20,571
United States – 3,455
Austria – 2,743
Netherlands – 1,807
Luxembourg – 1,798
Poland – 1,356
Czech Republic – 1,31
Brazil – 717
Australia – 505
The origin of the name Schiffer is uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the German word "schiff," meaning ship. It may have originally been a nickname for somebody who worked on ships, such as a sailor or merchant. The name is also found in the orthographic variant "Schiffer" or "Schipper."
Given its prevalence in central Europe, the Schiffer surname is likely to have descended from German immigrants who moved to other countries in the region. However, it is also quite possible that many of the non-German branches of the name may have resulted from immigration, with individuals carrying the last name settling in other parts of the world in the early 20th century.
Variations of the surname Schiffer
The surname Schiffer is a German/Ashkenazic Jewish (Yiddish) occupational name derived from the Middle High German word “schif” which means “boat” or “ship.” It was originally a name given to someone who worked on or near a ship or river. As it spread to different countries and cultures, variations of the spelling of the name also developed.
The most common variants of Schiffer are Schif, Schifer, Schiferowski, Scheifer, Scheyfer, Schifrin, Shaffer, and Shafir. It can also be found spelled as Schiffler, Shiffer, Shiffler, Shiffner, Shefer, Scheffer, Schifferling, Schiffers, Schiferl, Shifren, Shifrin, Shiffren, and Schiffren.
When the name spread to Eastern Europe, the spelling was changed to better fit local customs. In Poland, a common variant is Szyperski or Szypersztejn. In Hungary, the name is often spelled Schifferne.
Schiffer is also a common surname among Ashkenazic Jews. Variations of Schiffer in Yiddish include Shafferkind, Schifermann, Schiferkind, Shifner and Schefferkind.
The surname is widespread throughout central and southeastern Europe, and is also found in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, France, and Israel.
Famous people with the name Schiffer
- Claudia Schiffer: Claudia Schiffer is one of the greatest supermodels of all time. She is a German model and fashion designer known for her work with luxury brands such as Guess, Chanel and Valentino.
- David Schiffer: David Schiffer is an American actor best known for his roles in films such as The Da Vinci Code, Silver Linings Playbook, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
- Rudolph von Schiffer: Rudolph von Schiffer was a German-Austrian politician who served as the president of the Reichstag from 1861 to 1865.
- Andreas Schiffer: Andreas Schiffer is a German politician who is a member of the European Parliament for the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
- Janessa Schiffer: Janessa Schiffer is an American child actress best known for her role in the Nickelodeon sitcom Drake & Josh as Susan.
- Günther Schiffer: Günther Schiffer was a German physicist known for his work on quantum mechanics. He was the father of David and Gereon Schiffer.
- Christian Schiffer: Christian Schiffer is a German journalist and the nephew of classic actor Gustav Gründgens.
- Gereon Schiffer: Gereon Schiffer is a German-American biologist and geneticist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of DNA research.
- Melina Schiffer: Melina Schiffer is a German singer-songwriter who is best known for her hits such as "Grenzenlos", "Verzweifelt" and "Ich will nur leben".
- Gerhard Schiffer: Gerhard Schiffer was a German architect who was the son of noted architect Hugo Häring. He was known for his work on the Maternus Church in Köln, Germany.