Shaeffer — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #12,944 in the US 2,373 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#12,944
▼ Down 738 since 2000
People in the US
2,373
0.8 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Shaeffer Surname

What does the last name Shaeffer mean?

The surname Shaeffer 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 2,373 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shaeffer ranks as the #12,944 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Shaeffer come from?

The Shaeffer 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 Shaeffer name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Shaeffer 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 Shaeffer
Meaning One who does
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #12,944
US Count (2010) 2,373
Per 100K People 0.8
First Letter S

Ethnic Distribution of Shaeffer

According to the US Census, the Shaeffer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,373 Americans with the Shaeffer last name.

White 95.11%
Black 0.84%
Hispanic 2.11%
Asian/PI 0.46%
Native American 0.38%
Two+ Races 1.1%
Ethnic distribution of the Shaeffer surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White95.11%
Black0.84%
Hispanic2.11%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.46%
Native American0.38%
Two or More Races1.1%

Popularity of Shaeffer Over Time

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

Census 2000
#12,206
2,340 people
Down 738
Census 2010
#12,944
2,373 people

The number of Americans with the Shaeffer surname increased by 33 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Shaeffer Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Shaeffer

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

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 Shaeffer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaeffer

The surname Shaeffer is of English origin. One who does
The surname Shaeffer is ranked #12,944 in the United States with approximately 2,373 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 Shaeffer surname is distributed as: 95.1% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Shaeffer 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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