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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.55% |
| Black | 3.33% |
| Hispanic | 2.04% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 1.19% |
Popularity of Schaffer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Schaffer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Schaffer surname increased by 497 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Schaffer
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