Origin & Meaning of the Shaffer Surname
What does the last name Shaffer mean?
The surname Shaffer 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 59,943 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shaffer ranks as the #560 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shaffer come from?
The Shaffer 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 Shaffer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shaffer 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 | Shaffer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #560 |
| US Count (2010) | 59,943 |
| Per 100K People | 20.32 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shaffer
According to the US Census, the Shaffer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 59,943 Americans with the Shaffer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.08% |
| Black | 2.54% |
| Hispanic | 1.92% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 1.5% |
Popularity of Shaffer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shaffer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shaffer surname increased by 716 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Shaffer coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Shaffer
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shaffer.
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 Shaffer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shaffer
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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