Schaffer — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #1,738 in the US 20,614 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#1,738
▼ Down 108 since 2000
People in the US
20,614
6.99 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Schaffer Surname

What does the last name Schaffer mean?

The surname Schaffer 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 20,614 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Schaffer ranks as the #1,738 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Schaffer come from?

The Schaffer 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 Schaffer name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Schaffer 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Schaffer
Meaning One who does
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #1,738
US Count (2010) 20,614
Per 100K People 6.99
First Letter S

Ethnic Distribution of Schaffer

According to the US Census, the Schaffer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 20,614 Americans with the Schaffer last name.

White 92.55%
Black 3.33%
Hispanic 2.04%
Asian/PI 0.49%
Native American 0.4%
Two+ Races 1.19%
Ethnic distribution of the Schaffer surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White92.55%
Black3.33%
Hispanic2.04%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.49%
Native American0.4%
Two or More Races1.19%

Popularity of Schaffer Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Schaffer surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#1,630
20,117 people
Down 108
Census 2010
#1,738
20,614 people

The number of Americans with the Schaffer surname increased by 497 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Schaffer Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Schaffer ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Schaffer

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Schaffer.

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 Schaffer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Schaffer

The surname Schaffer is of English origin. One who does
The surname Schaffer is ranked #1,738 in the United States with approximately 20,614 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
One who does. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Schaffer surname is distributed as: 92.5% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Schaffer ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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