Show ContentsScharfman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestral home of the Scharfman family is in the German province of Bavaria. Scharfman 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 Scharfman family

The surname Scharfman 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 Scharfman family

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

Scharfman 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 Scharfman include Scharff, Scharfe, Scharfer, Scharf and others.

Early Notables of the Scharfman family

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

Migration of the Scharfman family

German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Scharfman surname or a spelling variation of the name include: 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.



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