Surname Scharf - Meaning and Origin
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Unveiling Unexpected Jewish Roots and Surprises through my iGENEA DNA Test
Basking in the anticipation of my iGENEA DNA test, I hardly prepared myself for the surprises it unfolded. Throughout my life, I carried the surname Scharf with the assumption it stemmed from German roots. However, the test results brought forth an entirely unexpected Jewish connection.
E. Scharf
read moreScharf: What does the surname Scharf mean?
The last name Scharf is of German origin. The literal translation of the term Scharf is "sharp" or "keen", which indicates a shrewd or astute person. In German, the word is a combination of the words 'scharf' and 'schnell' which mean sharp and fast respectively.
The term Scharf likely originates from characteristics of the original family’s ancestor. The family name could have been derived from a nickname referencing the individual’s intelligence, speed in decision making, and/or quick wit. Alternatively, it could have been referring to the specific sharpness of their tools and weapons.
Today, family bearing the name Scharf can be found in central, northern, and eastern Europe where most likely is used as an occupational surname. Due its connection with both sharpness and intelligence, the name is often adopted by sarcasm and humor in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Netherlands (where it is most common).
In terms of its application, the surname Scharf is still used as a Germans name and the term closely corresponds with words like “wise”, “astute”, and “sagacious”, making it an attractive name for many. Therefore, many new generations are showing a strong preference for the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisScharf: Where does the name Scharf come from?
Scharf is a common surname in Germany and across Europe, with variations in spelling. It is also found in the United States, including many Americans descended from German immigrants in the 1800s. According to the United States Census, Scharf is the 11,671st most common name in the United States, with about 7,683 Americans having the last name.
Scharf is found in all fifty states, with the most Scharfs living in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Scharf is also a popular surname in other countries, such as Canada, England, and Mexico.
According to surname dictionaries, the origin of the Scharf surname is German. It means sharp, bright, or keen, referring to someone who has a quick mind or sharp wit. As an occupational surname, it likely referred to a worker who had expertise in a specific trade.
The surname has numerous variations in spelling, including Scharff, Scharffe, Scharfschwerdt, Sherf, and Sharf. As Scharf is a common name in Germany, there are a number of German websites that incorporate the name, such as a website founded by a family of Scharfs determined to trace its history.
Today, the surname Scharf is primarily associated with German and American heritage. It hasbeen passed down through families and reflects the legacy of the Scharf name.
Variations of the surname Scharf
The surname Scharf is of German origin and is derived from the word which means sharp or keen. Variations of the surname include Sharf, Sharp, Sharpe, Scharpf, Scharff, Scharffe, Schorp, Schorpf, Scorup, Scorupf and many others. This is because of the tendency for spelling to change over time.
In the United States, Scharf is rarely seen and the spelling of Sharp is far more common. The spelling Scharf tends to be found in Germany, Austria and Hungary. In Scotland, the spelling of Sharp can be found, but is far less common than Scharf.
Scharf is a German occupational surname most commonly found among the farming class. It refers to someone who tended their crops or horses with great skill and keenness.
The Scharf surname is also associated with the Jewish faith. The Jewish surname is derived from the Old German word 'scarpf'. It is typically found in Eastern European and Yiddish areas of the world.
The different surnames of the same origin are derived from a variety of dialects and languages, such as German, Yiddish, and Dutch. In some cases, the spelling has been adopted by successive generations choosing altered forms of the same name.
In conclusion, the surname Scharf has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Sharf, Sharp, Sharpe, Scharpf, Scharff, Scharffe, Schorp, Schorpf, Scorup, Scorupf and many more. It is derived from the German word for sharp or keen and is commonly associated with the farming class and the Jewish faith.
Famous people with the name Scharf
- Robert Scharf: Professional American football Player
- Liz Scharf: Basketball Player
- Donald Scharf: Actor
- Friedrich Scharf: German Chemist
- Franz Scharf: German Scientist and Astronomer
- Astrid Scharf: German Actress
- Georg Scharf: German Painter
- Judy Scharf: American Reporter
- Laurie Scharf: Canadian Country Singer
- Phil Scharf: American Musician