Surname Schaffranke - Meaning and Origin
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Schaffranke: What does the surname Schaffranke mean?
Schaffranke is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word schafranke, meaning “sheepfold”. It is believed to have originated as an occupational surname for a person who tended sheep, such as a shepherd.
This last name is most commonly found in Germany, especially in the East of the country, near the former East Germany border, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It is also a typical surname in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland.
The Schaffranke family has its own coat of arms which dates back to 16th century Germany. This coat of arms consists of an eagle with two sheep beside it, signifying the main occupation of the family in the past – tending sheep. The symbol of an eagle is also indicative of the Schaffranke family’s noble origin.
The Schaffranke family has since spread all across the world, with family members living in Germany, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It is believed that the original Schaffranke family has found its way to these countries in the past few centuries, providing the modern Schaffranke family members with a global network.
Today, the Schaffranke name is still widely recognised throughout Germany and the rest of the world. However, the predominant occupation of the family is no longer that of a shepherd, but rather other professional roles. The link to the past is still evident though, with the Schaffranke family continuing to honour their rich heritage and ancient coat of arms.
Order DNA origin analysisSchaffranke: Where does the name Schaffranke come from?
The last name Schaffranke is used in Germany today, particularly in the south, and also in some areas of Central and Eastern Europe. The historic origin of the surname dates back to the Middle Ages when heraldic coats of arms and their associated surnames were adopted by many German families. The coat of arms features a griffin (or Schaffranke in German) and a tree, and it is believed that the name Schaffranke itself originates from the Low German word "schaff," which means to protect or defend.
The Schaffranke family is likely descended from many villages in the Middle and Lower Rhine regions of Germany that were known as part of the "Hesse," a region populated by Germanic peoples until the 19th century. It's likely that the surname Schaffranke was adopted in the 13th and 14th centuries in the region of Hesse as well, with families taking on the name to distinguish themselves from others in the area.
Today, the Schaffranke surname is fairly widespread in Germany, in part due to the fact that many families from Hesse, the Rhineland, and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe have emigrated to Germany in modern times. There is also a notable number of people with the name Schaffranke in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland.
In addition to the current spread of the Schaffranke name across Europe, its historical legacy is still evident in the form of monuments and other artifacts that date back to the Middle Ages. Older Schaffranke families in Germany proudly bear the coat of arms from which the surname originated, including a griffin and a tree, as a sign of respect for their ancestral heritage and identity.
Variations of the surname Schaffranke
The surname Schaffranke has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Most of these names derive from the Germanic words “Schaff” which means shepherd or caretaker and “Ranke” which means rod. Variations of the surname include Schafranke, Schaffranck, Schaffrank, Schaffrank, Schaffrand, Schaffranke, Schafrank, Schaphranke, and Schaphrank.
In Poland, the name is spelled as Szafraniec or Szafranek. This spelling is derived from the Polish word “szafa” which means wardrobe, reflecting a similar ‘shepherd’ or caretaker interpretation as with the Germanic word from which the name is derived. In Austria, the name is spelled as Schaffranek.
In the United States, the surname Schaffranke is often pronounced differently. Both the Schaff and Ranke portions of the name are often pronounced as ‘shaff’ and ‘ranc’ respectively.
The surnames Schaffranke, Szafraniec, and Szafranek are all linked to the same origin. In Germany and Austria, most people with the name can trace their roots to the town of Schaffranke. Similarly, many Polish bearers of the name can trace their genealogy back to the region of Szafraniec, which is located in the Kostolna district of Lesser Poland Voivodeship. All of these surnames are derived from the same root: ‘Schaff’ meaning shepherd or caretaker; ‘ranke’ meaning rod., as well as the Polish word ‘szafa’ meaning wardrobe.
Famous people with the name Schaffranke
- Georg Schaffranke: Georg Schaffranke is a German journalist, editor, presenter, and television host. He has presented shows in ARD, WDR and MDR and worked as editor for the news magazine Report Mainz from 2004 to 2019.
- Steffen Schaffranke: Steffen Schaffranke is a German football defender who currently plays for FC Glaswegian in the Scottish Premier League.
- Saskia Schaffranke: Saskia Schaffranke is a German former Paralympic skier who won three gold medals in luge and snowboard at the 2002 Winter Paralympics.
- Claudia Schaffranke Brown: Claudia Schaffranke Brown is a German American marketing consultant and author best known for her books “The Romantic Language of Business” and “Marketing Beyond Money.”
- Mike Schaffranke: Mike Schaffranke is a German former professional beach volleyball player who represented his country in the 1997 Beach Volleyball World Championship.
- Oliver Schaffranke: Oliver Schaffranke is a German music composer best known for his scores for the films Palermo Shooting and Tripwire.
- Uwe Schaffranke: Uwe Schaffranke is a German professor and Chair of Economic Theory at the University of Tübingen.
- Anne Schaffranke Casino: Anne Schaffranke Casino is a German opera singer who has earned multiple awards and performed around the world, including the Royal Opera House in London.