Find out how popular the last name Schelter is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Schelter.

Schelter, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Schelter surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Schelter in America

Schelter is the 96033rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Schelter surname appeared 176 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Schelter.

The history of the last name Schelter

The surname Schelter is of German origin and is believed to have emerged in the regions of Bavaria and Saxony during the late medieval period, around the 14th century. The name is derived from the Middle High German term "schilter," which referred to a shield-maker or a person who had some occupational connection with shields. This aligns with similar Middle Low German terms and their functions within the society of that era, potentially pointing towards a professional or trade-based lineage.

Early records and manuscripts from the Germanic regions sometimes featured variations in the spelling of the name, including "Schilter" and "Schälter." These variations were common due to the lack of standardization in spelling during that time. One of the earliest references to a family bearing the name Schelter can be found in the archives of Nuremberg around the year 1387, where it is noted that a Hans Schilter was a respected member of the local guild of armorers and shield-makers.

Another historical reference to the surname appears in the 15th century. Documentation from the city of Leipzig lists a certain Martin Schelter, born in 1452 and deceased in 1521, as a prominent city council member and merchant. His contributions to the local economy and involvement in civic affairs highlight the family's social standing during that period.

Among the notable bearers of the surname, Johannes Schelter, a renowned printer and publisher, was born in 1672 and left significant contributions to the printing industry. His works included several influential texts and treatises published in the early 18th century. Johannes Schelter's name appears in numerous bibliographies and historical records related to the printing trade in Germany.

Moving forward, the surname continued to be of significance. Carl Wilhelm Schelter, born in 1795, was a notable figure in the arts, particularly known for his skills as a violinist and composer. His performances and compositions were well-regarded in the early 19th century music circles of Berlin, contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the era.

In the late 19th century, Hermann Schelter, born in 1854, emerged as a prominent industrialist and inventor. His innovations in the field of mechanical engineering had a profound impact, especially his patented designs for agricultural machinery which revolutionized farming practices in Germany and beyond. His name is frequently mentioned in the patents and industrial records of the period.

One of the more illustrious names in modern history is Otto Schelter, born in 1876 and noted for his contributions to the field of engineering and technology. His work during the early 20th century included significant advancements in manufacturing processes, which earned him numerous accolades and solidified his legacy in the industrial sector. Otto Schelter passed away in 1959, leaving behind a lasting impact on his field.

The surname Schelter undoubtedly holds a rich historical lineage, tracing back to its medieval roots in Germany and becoming associated with various professions and social standings over the centuries. It continues to hold significance in the annals of German history, with bearers of the name contributing to various fields such as commerce, arts, and industry.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Schelter

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Schelter.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Schelter was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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