Surname Scheffner - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Scheffner: What does the surname Scheffner mean?
The last name Scheffner is an occupational surname of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "schaffner", which means "guardian" or "warden". The name probably originated from one's occupation of working as a guard or warden for livestock, or as a guard or caretaker of a property.
In German, Scheffner is also a patronymic name, derived from the father's given name. In medieval times, a patronymic name was often given as an inheritance name from father to son or as a nickname based on a man's personal characteristics or physical features.
Today, Scheffner is found in modern day Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and throughout Central and Western Europe. It may have also been adopted by immigrants entering countries such as the United States and Canada.
Those with the Scheffner surname tend to be self-assured, reliable, and trustworthy, and enjoy being part of a team. They are highly dependable and organized, and often thrive when given tasks that require structure and planning. They are happiest in stable careers and relationships, and tend to take personal pride in a job well done.
Order DNA origin analysisScheffner: Where does the name Scheffner come from?
The last name Scheffner is most commonly found today in countries of Germanic origin such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and also other European nations. Although the name can also be found across the world, the highest population of Scheffners today is within German-speaking countries and regions.
The origin of the name Scheffner was first recorded in the early Middle Ages, when it was used by German clans from areas of what is now eastern Germany and western Poland. The name is derived from the Old German word ‘schiffener’, meaning ‘one who lives near a port’ or ‘one who lives on a ship’. This gives an indication of how the name may have originally been borne.
Perhaps the most well-known bearer of the Scheffner name is the German linguist and philologist Peter Scheffner (1918-2002). His well-known works, ‘The Origins of Germanic Linguistics’ and ‘A History of Germanic Grammar’ shaped debate and understanding of the subject for many years.
Today, there are still many Scheffners around the world who proudly bear the name. The global population of Scheffners is estimated to be around 7,000, concentrated mainly in German-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Scheffner
The surname Scheffner is of German origin and is thought to have derived from the personal name "Scheffo" or "Scheppo." The variants and spellings of this surname include Sheffner, Sheffener, Schefner, Schefener, Scheffener, Shefner, and Shefenner.
The various spelling and surname combinations that can be found with Scheffner are Schaeffner, Schaeffener, Schaeffner, Shaeffner, Shaeffener, Shefener, and Shephner. There are also variations on the spelling of the beginning letter, such as Scheafner, Scheafener, Schaefner, and Schaefener.
Other variants of the name can include Scheffer, Scheffers, Schaeffer, Schaeffers, Shaeffer, Shaeffers, Sheffer, Sheffers, Schaefer, Schaefers, Schaffer, Schaffers, and Sheffer.
In addition to the spellings and variants, there are also a number of surnames derived from the root name "Scheffner" - such as Schenk, Schenkmann, Scheffmann, and Scheffler. Variants of these names can include Schnek, Schneckmann, Schoenk, Schoenkmann, Schefmann, Schoefmann, Schoefler, Schaefmann, Schoppmann, Schoppler, and Schoeppmann.
Despite all the variants, spellings, and surnames, they all trace back to the German origin of the surname Scheffner.
Famous people with the name Scheffner
- Dietmar Scheffner: Dietmar Scheffner is a German professor of religion and classical archaeology at the University of Erfurt. He is also the director of the Archaeological Institute at the University of Erfurt, where he lectures on ancient religions and cultures.
- Jens Scheffner: Jens Scheffner is a German musician and member of the band “Die Ärzte”. He plays the guitar for the band and has been with them since the '90s.
- Marion Scheffner: Marion Scheffner is a German journalist and radio presenter. She has presented shows on national radio channels such as NDR and WDR. She is currently the head of the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation's radio station.
- Kim Scheffner: Kim Scheffner is a German professional bodybuilder and competitor. She is a two-time winner of the IFBB Europe Cup.
- Michael Scheffner: Michael Scheffner is a German-American professor of finance and real estate at the University of Southern California. He is also the director of the Advanced Risk Analysis Lab at USC Marshall.
- Birgit Scheffner: Birgit Scheffner is a German politician, and is the current President of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in the Berlin Senate. She is the first female leader of the party in the city.
- Katrin Scheffner: Katrin Scheffner is a German film producer and director. She has worked in the film industry for more than 20 years, and has produced and directed several award-winning films.