The ancestral home of the Scharfe family is in the German province of Bavaria. Scharfe 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."
Loading...
Early Origins of the Scharfe family
The surname Scharfe 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.
Loading...
Early History of the Scharfe family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Scharfe research. Another 141 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1537, 1769, 1792, 1813 and 1851 are included under the topic Early Scharfe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Scharfe Spelling Variations
In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Scharfe include Scharff, Scharfe, Scharfer, Scharf and others.
Loading...
Early Notables of the Scharfe family
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Scharfe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Migration of the Scharfe family
European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Scharfes to arrive in North America, and among them were: 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.
Germany
