Schaerf History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

The ancestral home of the Schaerf family is in the German province of Bavaria. Schaerf is a German nickname surname. Such names came from eke-names, or added names, that described their initial bearer through reference to a physical characteristic or other attribute. It is a name for a sharp or quick witted person. The name stems from the German word "scharf," meaning "sharp."

Early Origins of the Schaerf family

The surname Schaerf was first found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. Chronicles first mention Sigehard Scharf of Bavaria in 1060, and Hainrich Scharpf of Wuerttemberg in 1330. Later the various families branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power.

Early History of the Schaerf family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Schaerf research. Another 141 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1537, 1769, 1792, 1813 and 1851 are included under the topic Early Schaerf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Schaerf Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Schaerf include Scharff, Scharfe, Scharfer, Scharf and others.

Early Notables of the Schaerf family

Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Schaerf Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Schaerf family

Between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries, German settlers arrived in North America by the thousands. Persecution based on religion and poverty were great motivators in this large-scale migration. So too was the opportunity for tenant farmers to own their own land. Ample land and opportunity awaited the settlers who went to such states as Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California, as well as Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Schaerf or a variant listed above: Antonius Scharf, who came to New York State in 1710; Johannes Scharf came to Philadelphia in 1747; as well as A. Margretha Scharfer in 1780; Conrath Scharff arrived in Philadelphia in 1732.

Contemporary Notables of the name Schaerf (post 1700) +

Adolf Schärf (1890-1965), Austrian politician of the Social Democratic Party, Vice-Chancellor from 1945 to 1957 and President of Austria from 1957 until his death