Find out how popular the first name Schaeffer has been for the last 21 years (from 1994 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Schaeffer by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Schaeffer is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Schaeffer.

The history of the first name Schaeffer

The name Schaeffer is of German origin, derived from the occupation of a shepherd or sheep herder. It is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, around the 12th or 13th century.

The name Schaeffer is a variation of the German word "Schäfer," which means "shepherd." It likely evolved from the Old High German word "scafhirtā," which means "shepherdess." The name was initially used as a surname to identify individuals who worked as shepherds or came from families of shepherds.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Schaeffer can be found in the German city of Nuremberg, where a man named Hans Schaeffer lived in the late 15th century. He was a prominent figure in the city and served as a councilor.

Another notable individual with the name Schaeffer was Peter Schaeffer, a German theologian and church reformer born in 1565. He played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation and authored several influential works on theology.

In the 18th century, Johann Schaeffer, a German botanist and naturalist, made important contributions to the field of botany. He was born in 1724 and is best known for his detailed illustrations and descriptions of various plant species.

The name Schaeffer also gained recognition in the world of music with the American composer and pianist William Schaeffer. Born in 1856, he composed numerous works for piano and orchestra and was a prominent figure in the musical scene of his time.

Another noteworthy figure was Katharine Schaeffer, an American social worker and activist born in 1882. She dedicated her life to improving the lives of working-class women and children, advocating for better working conditions and social reforms.

Throughout history, the name Schaeffer has been associated with individuals from various fields, including religion, science, arts, and social activism. While its origins can be traced back to the occupation of shepherding, the name has transcended its initial meaning and become a part of cultural heritage in different 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 Schaeffer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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