Surname Schira - Meaning and Origin
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Schira: What does the surname Schira mean?
Schira is a surname of German origin. The name is believed to have originated as a nickname, which was then transformed into a surname. During the Middle Ages, nicknames were often used to identify people who had similar characteristics or jobs. Sometimes, these nicknames even became hereditary surnames. The surname Schira has its origins in a term for a person who was considered crafty or cunning. It derives from the Middle High German word "schir" which means "cunning" or "crafty". Over the years, the meaning of Schira has expanded to not only denote someone deceitful, but also someone who is witty, smart, or clever. Therefore, Schira can also imply a positive connotation about someone's intelligence or cleverness. It's important to note that surnames' meanings can vary greatly, depending on their geographical origin and historical circumstances.
Order DNA origin analysisSchira: Where does the name Schira come from?
The last name Schira can be commonly found in both France and Germany. In France, the Schira surname is believed to have originated during the Medieval period, with certain etymological sources noting it to be derived from a Germanic personal name from the late 5th century. The name literally translates to ax-maker or ax-smith, suggesting it began as an occupational surname. In Germany, it is derived from a family of noble ISchirer) which is known to have been in possession of certain properties in the Middle Ages. Records from the 1600s show that the Schira family owned a castle in Povarna in what is now Slovakia.
The Schira surname is most common in Normandy, France, but can still be found in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and other countries throughout Europe. It is believed to be the 99,495th most common surname worldwide, with approximately 6,630 individuals bearing the name in 2020. The largest population of Schira individuals can be found in France, followed by Germany and The Netherlands. In the United States and Canada, Schira is not a very common surname, with approximately 200 people bearing the name in 2011.
Variations of the surname Schira
The surname Schira, also spelled Shirah, Sheerah, and Shira, is of Jewish origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word 'shir', meaning "song" or "poem". The name is usually found in reference to the biblical Book of Songs, and is also often associated with Jewish Psalms or Tehillim (Psalms).
The variation Shirah was primarily found in Eastern Europe, specifically the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Spelling variants of the name include Sherah, Sheera, Shira, Sheirah, and Shearah. Several surname derivatives such as Schirer, Scherrer, and Schorr have also been recorded.
Schira is often found as a combination of two other Jewish surnames; Sheer and Rah. The Sheer family was originally of Polish origin, and the Rah family was born in Germany. The combination of the two is thought to possibly have been intended as a symbolic gesture of faith during times of persecution.
The surname Schira is also found among Italian Jews, though its variant spellings such as Chiera, Schera, and Sera may indicate a regional influence. It is possible that the surname evolved from the Latin term ‘carus’, meaning ‘dear’. Some Italian Schiras may also have descended from Sicilian Jews who settled in the region during the Middle Ages.
There is evidence of the Schira surname appearing in records as far back as the 16th century. Today, the surname has been adopted globally, and can be found in many countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Schira
- Wolf-Dietrich Schira: German constitutional lawyer and expert on church law.
- Matthias Schira: German composer and poet.
- Julia Schira: German actress best known for her roles in films such as “Pandorum” and “Catch Me If You Can”.
- Tony Schira: American football player who won three Super Bowls with the Green Bay Packers.
- Antonio Schira: Italian comics artist known for his work on Asterix books.
- Ernesto Schira: Argentine artist and sculptor most known for his bronze works.
- Mark Schira: American illustrator whose art continues to shape the comic culture today.
- Adam Schira: Austrian born writer, who emigrated to the United States and wrote over 30 books.
- Julius Schira: Late Swiss physician whose work on developing innovative vaccines set the standard for modern vaccines.
- Gerd Schira: German cartoonist, best known for his illustrations for MAD Magazine.