Origin & Meaning of the Schafer Surname
What does the last name Schafer mean?
The surname Schafer 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 24,543 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Schafer ranks as the #1,452 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Schafer come from?
The Schafer 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 Schafer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Schafer 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 | Schafer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,452 |
| US Count (2010) | 24,543 |
| Per 100K People | 8.32 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Schafer
According to the US Census, the Schafer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 24,543 Americans with the Schafer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.3% |
| Black | 0.32% |
| Hispanic | 2.08% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.36% |
| Two or More Races | 1.38% |
Popularity of Schafer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Schafer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Schafer surname increased by 739 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Schafer ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Schafer Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Schafer Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Schafer
- ✓ The Schafer coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Schafer families live today
- ✓ Notable Schafer bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Schafer
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Schafer.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Schafer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Schafer
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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