The distinguished surname Sheaffer 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 Sheaffer 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 Sheaffer research. Another 135 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1569, 1813, 1787, 1425, 1503, 1451, 1624, 1677, 1653, 1699 and 1756 are included under the topic Early Sheaffer 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 Sheaffer 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 Sheaffer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In the United States, the name Sheaffer is the 14,183rd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. [3]