Discover people named Ernest Schaffer

The last name Schaffer has its origins in Germany, deriving from the Middle High German word "schaf," meaning "sheep," and "schaffer," which translates to "shepherd" or "one who tends sheep." This surname likely emerged in regions where sheep farming was prevalent, particularly in rural areas of Germany, and it reflects the occupation of those who initially bore the name, indicating a connection to pastoral life and agriculture. Variations of the surname can be found in different cultures and languages, including "Schäfer" in German-speaking countries, which retains the same meaning, and "Shepherd" in English-speaking regions, which is a direct translation. The name may also appear in various spellings, such as "Shafer" or "Shaffer," particularly in the United States, where German immigrants anglicized their surnames. Overall, the surname Schaffer encapsulates a rich historical connection to pastoralism and the agrarian lifestyle of its early bearers.