Surname Schaper - Meaning and Origin
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An Unexpected Journey Back in Time: Unveiling the Schaper Ancestry Through iGENEA DNA Test
After a comprehensive DNA test at iGENEA, the myriad unexpected insights into the Schaper ancestral lineage have not only enriched my understanding of my family history, but also have deepened my present sense of identity. Sweeping across Viking warriors to Jewish Ashkenazi heritage, the Schaper’s ancestry evolved from being merely a family name to an unfolding narrative of diversity and history.
M. Schaper
read moreSchaper: What does the surname Schaper mean?
The last name Schaper is of German origin. It is derived from the German word 'Schäfer' which translates to ‘shepherd’ or 'herdsman'. The name Schaper was likely given to someone who worked as a shepherd or in the field of animal husbandry. In Germany, the Schaper family preceded many commoners and were esteemed members of their medieval villages based on their association with animal husbandry.
The surname Schaper in Germany can also be spelled as Schaefer, Shafer, Schaffer, Schalfer, and Shaper. As settlers of German-speaking lands spread around the world, the German last name became diffused in a variety of different cultures.
In present day, those bearing the last name Schaper are mainly found in the United States, Germany, Canada, and South Africa. It is somewhat a rare name, and while it is common in North-Rhine Westphalia, it is scattered in other German localities.
Descendants of the Schaper surname take pride in a long and rich history that has extended over many centuries. They are proud of the legacy of honor and hard work that they have inherited and have continued to uphold the value of the humble servant-like role that their ancestors took on in the agricultural community of Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisSchaper: Where does the name Schaper come from?
The last name Schaper is most commonly found in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Records indicate that the name Schaper is one of the oldest of the German surnames, with first mentions of its use as early as the 12th century.
There are approximately 58,000 people who bear the last name of Schaper throughout Europe today. In Germany, the Schaper family name is most common in the states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Rhineland-Palatinate. In Austria, the name is found mainly in Burgenland, Vienna, Styria, and Upper Austria. In Switzerland, the name is most commonly encountered in Bern.
Outside of Europe, Schaper families can be found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Especially in the US, the last name is most commonly found in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and New York. Although the name is less common, there have also been sightings of the Schaper name in India, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Honduras.
Overall, the last name Schaper is a rare name but has been present for centuries in areas where German is spoken. Canada, the United States, Australia, and some countries in Latin America are the main destinations where the name is now found outside of Europe.
Variations of the surname Schaper
The surname Schaper has various spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these include Shaper, Shapur, Sheppard, Shepperd, and Schofer.
The surname Schaper is derived from an occupational surname meaning “shoemaker” in Middle Low German. This name was popularized by medieval weavers and shoe-makers. The name is common throughout Germany and the Netherlands, as well as other parts of Europe.
The variants and spellings of Schaper are most likely influenced by local dialects. For example, the variant “Sheppard” is used in the United Kingdom and the United States, while “Shapur” is used in Iran.
The most common spelling of Schaper is Sheperd. This spelling is typically found in records from England and Scotland, where the name likely first originated.
The surname Schaper is also connected to other names of the same origin, including Shoemaker, Shoepmaker, and Schmieder. These names are all derived from the same word for “shoemaker” in Middle Low German.
The surname Schaper is a timeless name with many branches and spellings. It is a great choice for those looking for a name with both history and versatility.
Famous people with the name Schaper
- Johannes Schaper: Johannes Schaper is a German football coach and former player. He served as the head coach of Belarus's national football team from 2008 to 2009 and is currently manager of German club SpVgg Erkenschwick.
- Peter Schaper: Peter Schaper is a German former footballer who played as a midfielder in the Bundesliga for several clubs, including Hertha Berlin, Borussia Monchengladbach, Eintracht Braunschweig and Schalke 04.
- Guido Schaper: Guido Schaper is a German songwriter and music producer. He has worked with artists such as The BossHoss, Lenny Kravitz and Usher.
- True Frederik Schaper: True Frederik Schaper was a Norwegian engineer and a pioneer in the development of electro-mechanical devices. He invented the vertical engine in 1903 and the alternating current synchronous motor in 1910.
- Fred Schaper: Fred Schaper was an American road bicycle racer who competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics in the 100 kilometres race.
- Uve Schaper: Uve Schaper is a German football defender who plays for Eintracht Braunschweig.
- Michael Schaper: Michael Schaper is an Australian businessperson and a former Commissioner of Competition & Consumer Protection in Australia.
- Martin Schaper: Martin Schaper is a German sprint canoer who competed in the mid-1990s. He won a bronze medal in the K-4 1000 m event at the 1994 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Mexico City.