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| Origins Available: |
| | Germany |
The distinguished surname Shoffner is German in origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term "schaffaere," which referred to a shepherd, one who took care of sheep. 1 Alternatively, the name could have been derived from an German occupational name for someone "who made casks and barrels, a cooper." 2
The surname Shoffner was first found in Hessen, where the name was closely identified in early medieval times with the feudal society which would become prominent throughout European history. The name would later emerge as a noble family with great influence, having many distinguished branches, and become noted for its involvement in social, economic and political affairs.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shoffner research. Another 135 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1425, 1451, 1503, 1569, 1624, 1653, 1677, 1699, 1756, 1787 and 1813 are included under the topic Early Shoffner History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Schaeffers, Schaefer, Scheaffer, Schaefers, Schaffer, Schafer, Shaeffer, Schefer, Shaefer and many more.
Prominent figures of the time who bore the name Shoffner were Peter Schöffer (c.1425-c.1503), an early German printer, and worked as a manuscript copyist in 1451.
Angelus Silesius or Johann Angelus Silesius (1624-1677), born Johann Scheffler, was a German Catholic priest and physician. He was known as a mystic and religious poet, born and raised a Lutheran. In 1653, he adopted the name Angelus (Latin for "angel" or "heavenly messenger") and the epithet Silesius ("Silesian") and converted to Catholicism. As a convert and priest, he tried to convince German Protestants...
Another 89 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Shoffner Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In the United States, the name Shoffner is the 6,890th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 3