Origin & Meaning of the Shafer Surname
What does the last name Shafer mean?
The surname Shafer 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 25,641 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shafer ranks as the #1,379 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shafer come from?
The Shafer 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 Shafer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shafer 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 | Shafer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,379 |
| US Count (2010) | 25,641 |
| Per 100K People | 8.69 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shafer
According to the US Census, the Shafer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 25,641 Americans with the Shafer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.16% |
| Black | 0.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.78% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 1.61% |
Popularity of Shafer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shafer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shafer surname increased by 143 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Shafer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shafer
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