Find out how popular the first name Schaefer has been for the last 33 years (from 1991 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Schaefer by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Schaefer is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Schaefer.

The history of the first name Schaefer

The given name Schaefer originated from the German language. It is derived from the German word "Schäfer," which means "shepherd" or "one who tends to sheep." This name has its roots in the Middle Ages when shepherding was a prominent occupation in rural areas of Germany and other parts of Europe.

During the Middle Ages, names were often derived from occupations, reflecting the importance of one's trade or craft in society. The name Schaefer likely emerged as a way to identify individuals who worked as shepherds or were associated with the shepherding profession.

While there are no definitive historical records mentioning the name Schaefer in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is believed to have been in use among the German-speaking population since the 12th or 13th century. The earliest recorded examples of the name can be found in various German municipal records and church registries from that time period.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Schaefer was Johann Schaefer, a German scholar and theologian who lived in the 16th century (1494-1554). He was a prominent figure during the Protestant Reformation and served as a professor at the University of Wittenberg.

Another notable individual with the name Schaefer was Johann Philipp Schaefer (1621-1679), a German mathematician and astronomer. He made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and was one of the first to observe and record the transit of Mercury across the sun's disk.

In the 18th century, Johann Gottlob Schaefer (1720-1790) was a German theologian and philosopher who wrote extensively on religious and philosophical topics. His works were influential during the Age of Enlightenment.

Moving into the 19th century, Karl Schaefer (1844-1908) was a German painter and illustrator known for his depictions of rural life and landscapes. His paintings captured the beauty and simplicity of the German countryside.

In more recent history, Gerhard Schaefer (1917-1995) was a German physicist and engineer who played a significant role in the development of nuclear technology. He was involved in the German nuclear energy program during World War II and later worked on nuclear reactor design and safety.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the given name Schaefer throughout history. The name's origins in the German language and its connection to the occupation of shepherding have endured over the centuries, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the German-speaking regions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Schaefer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Schaefer, please contact us.

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