Etymology and Origins Schäfer is a German occupational surname meaning "shepherd". It descends from the Old High German word scāphare, which referred to someone who herded sheep. The standard spelling Schäfer is used in modern German (especially after the orthographic reforms of the late 19th century). The alternative forms Schaefer, Schaeffer, Schaffer, Shaffer, Shafer, and Schafer are also common surnames, particularly among German-speaking communities and their descendants abroad. Notable Bearers Many notable individuals have carried the name Schäfer or its variants. Notable figures with the surname Schaefer include: Arnold Schaefer (1819–1883), German historian Germany Schaefer (1877–1919), American baseball player Jacob Schaefer Sr (1850–1910) and Jacob Schaefer Jr (1894–1975), American billiards players Marie Charlotte Schaefer (1874–1927), American physician Bill Schaefer (1925–2003), field hockey player Cultural Significance The name reflects the historical importance of sheep farming in German-speaking regions, where shepherds played a vital role in rural life. The occupation further lent itself to nicknames and hereditary surnames. The spelling variants (such as Shaffer or Schafer) arose through Anglicization or regional dialects of German. Meaning: Shepherd Origin: Old High German scāphare Type: Occupational surname Usage regions: Germany, United States, other German diaspora Alts: Schaefer, Shaffer