Surname Schrayer - Meaning and Origin

Schrayer: What does the surname Schrayer mean?

The surname Schrayer is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is considered to be derived from the middle high German word "schrayen", meaning to cry out or shout. This might suggest that the original bearers of this surname were town criers, individuals tasked with making public announcements in the streets. These announcements would often include important information such as proclamations or news from the ruling classes, market days or public events. Thus, the name Schrayer could be considered an occupational surname, assigned based on the job of its initial holder. However, surnames can evolve over time and it is also possible that the modern version of the name does not maintain this original meaning. As with any surname, tracing its origins necessitates genealogical research.

Schrayer: Where does the name Schrayer come from?

The last name Schrayer is most common today in Germany and Austria. It is primarily a German and Austrian surname, and is derived from the Middle High German word Schraier, meaning "cutter" or "hewer." This was an occupational name for someone who worked with a scythe or similar tool. Schrayer is also sometimes found among Jewish families, and is likely an adaptation of the German spelling of the Ashkenazic Jewish surname Shrayer.

The surname was also found in Switzerland during the 19th century. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 1,989 people in the United States with the last name Schrayer. The highest concentration of American Schrayers is found in Pennsylvania, followed by Illinois, Ohio, New York, and Michigan. A small number of people bearing this name live in other parts of the world, including Israel, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Schrayer

The surname Schrayer is a German-origin patronymic surname meaning descendant of one named Schrai (an archaic form of Schrey). This surname also has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin used throughout Europe.

The most common variant of Schrayer is Schreyer, which has become particularly popular in the United States. This variant is also spelled Screyer, Screier, Scheyer, and Schreyer.

In Germany, other variants Schrayer include Schraier, Schrecker, and Schreckl. In Switzerland, it appears as Schreyer and Schrayer. In Austria, variants include Schreier, Schåyer, and Schryer. In Hungary, Schrailer, as well as Schlöri, Schlöringer, and Schreiling also appear to be variations of this surname.

In the English-speaking world, Schreyer and Schrayer have been anglicised to various spellings such as Shrayer, Schreyer, and Schraeder. This surname was also adopted by Jewish families, particularly in the locally adapted forms Shrayer, Scharayer, and Schreier.

In addition to the most common surname variants and derivatives, Schrayer can also be derived from other German, Swiss, Austrian, Hungarian, and Jewish surnames. These include Shromm, Scherwa, Schreiber, and Schnier.

Famous people with the name Schrayer

• Robert Schrayer, American Eight-Time Emmy Award-Winning Director and TV Producer
• Al Schrayer, American Composer, Record Producer and Songwriter
• Charles Schrayer, American Musician and Vocalist
• Gabe Schrayer, American Actor, Comedian and Director
• Jacqueline Schrayer, French Actress
• Günter Schrayer, German Former Professional Soccer Player
• Robert Schrayer, German Professional Soccer Player
• Sigi Schrayer, German Olympic Bronze Medalist in Football (Soccer)
• Sonja Schrayer, Swiss Olympic Gold Medalist in Figure Skating
• Sarah Schrayer, Austrian Professional Softball Player
• Henry Schrayer, American Veteran of World War I
• Albert Schrayer, American Painter
• Eddie Schrayer, American Country Music Singer, Songwriter and Musician
• Thomas Schrayer, American Freestyle Wrestler and MMA Fighter

Other surnames

Schray