Find out how popular the first name Shafer has been for the last 29 years (from 1990 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shafer by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Shafer is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shafer.

The history of the first name Shafer

The name Shafer is believed to have originated from the German language, where it was derived from the word "Schäfer," meaning "shepherd." This name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when shepherding was a common occupation in many parts of Europe, particularly in rural areas.

During the Middle Ages, names were often derived from one's occupation or trade, and the name Shafer would have been given to those who worked as shepherds, tending to flocks of sheep or other livestock. This name was prevalent in various regions of Germany, as well as in neighboring countries where German influence was present.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Shafer can be found in historical documents and records from the 13th and 14th centuries. One notable example is Johann Shafer, a German shepherd who lived in the late 14th century and is mentioned in local records from the city of Augsburg.

Throughout history, several individuals with the name Shafer have achieved recognition in various fields. One such figure was Johann Matthäus Shafer, a German composer and organist who lived from 1665 to 1742. He is known for his contributions to sacred music and his work as an organist in several churches in Germany.

Another notable individual was Johann Gottfried Shafer, a German botanist and naturalist who lived from 1768 to 1840. He made significant contributions to the study of plants and is credited with describing numerous plant species, some of which bear his name in their scientific nomenclature.

In the realm of literature, Johann Christoph Friedrich Shafer was a German novelist and playwright who lived from 1776 to 1853. His works, which included several plays and novels, were popular during his time and reflected the cultural and social climate of 19th-century Germany.

The name Shafer has also been present in other fields, such as science and politics. For example, Julius Shafer was a German physicist and inventor who lived from 1825 to 1897. He is known for his contributions to the development of early electrical devices and his work on improving the efficiency of electrical motors.

While the name Shafer has its roots in the German language, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and regions over time. However, its origins can be traced back to the occupation of shepherding and the German word "Schäfer," which reflects the rich history and cultural significance of this name.

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 Shafer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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