Surname Schirra - Meaning and Origin
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Schirra: What does the surname Schirra mean?
The German surname Schirra is derived from the word "schirrmeister," meaning ''wagon master.'' This was an occupational name for this individual; a wagon master was responsible for loading and unloading wagons and carts, as well as keeping them in good condition and managing their distribution. The word "schirr" may also describe a type of wagon, so the name could indicate someone who works with this type of wagon.
In Germany, the Schirra surname is more common along the borders with Austria and Switzerland. This reflects its presence in regions which contain the highest percentages of German-speaking people. The spelling is also found in neighboring parts of Austria and Switzerland, where it has been modified in various ways, such as Shirr, Schirr, or Schirrah.
When emigrating to the United States, Schirra is often simplified to Schera or Scherrer. Each of these spellings still hold a similar meaning of wagon master or wagon driver.
The Schirra name may be connected to several notable American astronauts. One such individual was Walter Marty Schirra Jr., known for his involvement in the first Gemini, Apollo, and space shuttle missions. He was later posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor for his achievements. His namesake thus carries a strong connection to space exploration, in addition to the original meaning of wagon master or driver.
Order DNA origin analysisSchirra: Where does the name Schirra come from?
The last name Schirra is most common today in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is the 23,833rd most common last name in the country in 2019. The Schirra name hails from Germany, and its roots suggest that it originated as a location-based name, derived from the German word schir, meaning a mountain or hill.
As of today, the biggest population of Schirras live in the midwestern and eastern states, including the cities of Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago. California, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania also have a notable population. Among European countries, Germany has the highest number of Schirras, with over 60,000 living in the country.
Notable Schirras include astronaut Wally Schirra (1923–2007). He was one of the seven original NASA Project Mercury astronauts, and one of the 24 people to have flown to the Moon.
Other notable Schirras include NFL quarterback styles Schirra (born 1985), US Senator Joe Schirra, the daughter of former Vice President Joe Biden, Ashley Biden, and the Italian Opera conductor Joe Schirra.
The Schirra name is still common today in various parts of Europe and the United States. It has a long and interesting lineage and many notable individuals have emerged from this family over the years.
Variations of the surname Schirra
The surname Schirra is of German origin. It is believed to derive from an ancestor who was a maker of shields or a soldier who carried a shield. The variants of Schirra include Schirr, Schirre, Schirrer, Schirren, Schirrhoff, and Schirrhoffen.
Some other spellings and surnames of the same origin are Scherrer, Scherrerhofen, Scherr, Scherrer, and Scherre. Additional spellings include Sharra, Sharrah, Shira, Shire, Shirah, Shirer, Shyrra, and Sherra.
The spelling of the surname can also vary depending on the country. In Germany, the pronunciation for Schirra might be Sherrah and in France it is generally spelled Cherra.
The Schirra surname can be found in countries around the world including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In the United States, there are approximately 1,400 people who have the Schirra surname.
In some areas, Schirra has become synonymous with a specific profession or trade. For example, in Alsace, Schirra was often used to refer to a locksmith or metalworker. In Bavaria and the Rheinland area, it was sometimes used to refer to a blacksmith.
The Schirra surname has many variations and spellings, but it is believed to have originated from a German ancestor who was a maker of shields or a soldier who carried a shield.
Famous people with the name Schirra
- Wally Schirra: A highly decorated United States Navy Captain, he was the only astronaut to fly on three of the first five American space programs, Gemini, Mercury, and Apollo, and the third American to go into space twice.
- Mark Schirra: Astronaut and United States Navy Captain, he was the pilot of the second flight of Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-51-D mission in 1985.
- Ellen Schirra: First Lady of South Dakota from 1973 to 1979 and wife of former Governor Dick Schirra.
- Dick Schirra: Former Governor of South Dakota from 1973 to 1979, he was the Democratic Party nominee for the United States Senate in 1978, but was defeated by Republican James Abdnor.
- Cyan Schirra: An artist and sculptor who works in a variety of mediums, including clay, metal and stone.
- Ron Schirra: An American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League.
- Adrian Schirra: A contemporary abstract artist and sculptor who works in a variety of mediums, including glass, metal, and stone.
- Karl Schirra: A German philosopher and writer who wrote about a variety of topics, including aesthetics, art, dialectic, and theology.
- Francis Schirra: A German-born Swiss painter, woodcutter and draftsman who primarily worked in the late Gothic style.
- Bradley Schirra: An American YouTube star known for his athletic and skill-based content, including trampoline and extreme sports stunts.