Origin & Meaning of the Schaeffer Surname
What does the last name Schaeffer mean?
The surname Schaeffer carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 16,024 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Schaeffer ranks as the #2,272 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Schaeffer come from?
The Schaeffer surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Schaeffer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Schaeffer trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Schaeffer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,272 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,024 |
| Per 100K People | 5.43 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Schaeffer
According to the US Census, the Schaeffer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,024 Americans with the Schaeffer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.84% |
| Black | 1.65% |
| Hispanic | 2.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 1.07% |
| Two or More Races | 1.26% |
Popularity of Schaeffer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Schaeffer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Schaeffer surname increased by 576 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Schaeffer
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