Surname Schifferli - Meaning and Origin
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Schifferli: What does the surname Schifferli mean?
The last name Schifferli is an surname found mainly in German-speaking regions of Europe. It is thought to have derived from the German word “schiffer” meaning “sailor” or from a nickname given to someone who lived near a wharf, as “li” is a Swiss diminutive. In Switzerland, the family name is especially common, as is the Swiss-German spelling 'Schifferly'.
The origin of the surname dates back to the thirteenth century, when it was found in the records of Switzerland, Upper-Austria, Bavaria and Thuringen. In the most general sense, then, it would refer to someone who is either connected to the sea, or a dockmaster.
The name is more widely known today for its association with prominent Swiss industrialist, Karl Schifferli, who founded a shipbuilding company in the early 1800s and later the famous Swiss watch company Tissot. Through his business and philanthropy, Karl Schifferli became a highly esteemed person in the community. His charitable works included building a hospital and orphanage in his hometown of Zofingen, Switzerland and establishing a fund to help disabled veterans.
The Schifferli name still carries influence throughout Switzerland today. A number of notable people have borne the name, including Olympian wrestler Jarno Schifferli, who won bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016, and Urs Schifferli, a farmer and politician who served as President of the Swiss National Council from 2007 to 2011.
The name is also distinguished in the business world, where several Schifferlis have made a name for themselves, including banker Bruno Schifferli and Leon Schifferli, a prominent entrepreneur noted for his trip and tourism services.
Overall, the last name Schifferli denotes a long and distinguished lineage of sailors, industrialists and philanthropists, whose legacy still continues to the present day.
Order DNA origin analysisSchifferli: Where does the name Schifferli come from?
The last name Schifferli is most commonly found in the western half of Switzerland today. It is particularly frequent in the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, St. Gallen, Schwyz, and Glarus. The majority of the people bearing the name come from the Appenzell area, especially three small hamlets in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden.
The name Schifferli may have derived from the Middle High German word “schiffer,” which translates to “shipman.” It is possible that this surname arose in an area that was bordered by a lake or the sea in the Middle Ages. It is speculated that this term may have been an occupational name referring to someone who owned or worked on ships, but other possibilities exist.
The number of individuals bearing the last name Schifferli has declined significantly in recent years, mainly due to emigration. This has been especially true for those of Swiss-German descent, as well as their descendants who live in the US, Canada, or elsewhere outside of Europe. The few that still remain in the Appenzell and Glarus regions tend to be older, although much of the younger generation of Schifferlis continues to carry on the tradition of the name.
Variations of the surname Schifferli
The surname Schifferli is a common Swiss surname, originating in the area of Zurich, Switzerland. It is derived from the German word "schiffer" meaning boatman or sailor. Variations of this surname include Schiferli, Schifferlee, Schifenes, Scheifferly, Shifferly, Shifferlein, Schifferly, Scheifferlin, Schiffer, Shifeline, and Schifelen.
In some cases, the surname Schifferli can be found spelled with the addition of a suffix such as "-in" for female forms, as in Schiferlin or Schifferlin. The female versions of the surname are often spelled in Germanic variants, such as Schiferlein. Other variants of this surname such as Shifferline, Shifferle, Schifferlee, Scheifferlin, and Schifelen are rare, but still exist.
The meaning of the name is strongly associated with the boatman or sailor, and can also carry the meaning of someone who lives near a lake or river. The addition of the suffix "-le" also points to the existence of a diminutive form of the name, showing affection and perhaps familial closeness between individuals.
In other cases of the surname Schifferli, the spelling can be varied to include the -er ending, as in Schiffer or Schiffe. This connects the surname to its old German roots, often associated with the class of boatmen and sailors in later Medieval times.
The surname Schifferli can indicate someone from the boatman or sailor class, or someone who lives near a lake or river, and is still used widely in the area of Zurich today. The variants of this surname often show a relationship between individuals or a familial bond - with the most common variants being Schifferli, Schiferli, and Schifferlee.
Famous people with the name Schifferli
- Claudia Schiffer: German model, actress, entrepreneur, and fashion designer
- Walter Schifferli: Swiss poet and playwright
- Julius Schifferli: Swiss theologian and author
- Jean Charles Sifferli: German astronomer
- Eric Schifferli: Swiss Olympic cross country skier
- Urs Schifferli: Swiss barrister and politician
- H.P. Schifferli: American-Swiss artist
- Jeffery Schifferli: American golf coach
- Kabeer Schifferli: Indian cabaret dancer, actor, and choreographer
- Karin Schifferli: Swiss mountain guide
- Marco Schifferli: Swiss Olympic water polo player
- Mario Schifferli: Swiss international footballer
- Nathan Schifferli: American film actor
- Ronny Schifferli: Swiss Olympic alpine skier
- Werner Schifferli: Swiss football manager and former player