Surname Scheefers - Meaning and Origin

Scheefers: What does the surname Scheefers mean?

The last name Scheefers is a Dutch surname, originating from the region of the Netherlands known as North Brabant. The name originates from the Middle Dutch word “schiefer”, which means "irregular surface". The suffix -er is typically appended to the root word to denote a person associated with the root word, suggesting a person who comes from a family or location known for having an irregular surface. This might mean that the family originated from a location that is more hilly or rocky than the surrounding area.

The surname Scheefers is fairly common throughout the Netherlands and some other European areas, such as Germany. It is not known how the surname spread, but it is likely that it was adopted during wartime migration centuries ago. Today, the name is associated with many things, from Dutch car dealership owners, athletes, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

Overall, the surname Scheefers is fairly common across the Netherlands, but is at its strongest density throughout North Brabant, the region from which it originated. The name has a long historical presence there, as well as a deep association with irregular surfaces. To this day, people bearing the surname Scheefers are proud to represent the family and their legacy.

Scheefers: Where does the name Scheefers come from?

The last name Scheefers is common in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium. It is an occupational name derived from the word "schaver," which referred to an individual who carved wooden objects, such as window frames and doors. Although Scheefers is primarily found in the Dutch and Belgian populations today, many evolving branches of the Scheefers family have relocated to other countries and territories around the world.

In North America, the United States and Canada are home to several Scheefers. In the US, the highest concentration of Scheefers currently reside in Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. A smaller population of Scheefers live in the Northeastern states of Massachusetts and Connecticut, with a few more living in states like Florida, Virginia, and Tennessee. In Canada, most Scheefers live in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.

Europe is also home to several Scheefers. In Netherlands, the Scheefers family can be found in almost every province. Several Scheefers have also ventured to Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

Australia and South Africa have both welcomed Scheefers over the years. In Australia, many Scheefers currently live in West Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria. South Africa has a larger population of Scheefers, with concentrations in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

Scheefers have adopted many different countries as their new homes, but have all retained their name and roots. They can be found in every corner of the world, carrying on the great legacy of this storied name.

Variations of the surname Scheefers

The surname Scheefers is of Dutch origin and takes its name from the village of Schaefers (now incorporated into the modern municipality of Eersel) located in East Brabant, Netherlands. The various variants, spellings, and surnames of different origin related to the family name Scheefers include:

- Scheffer/Schaeffer: This Dutch surname is derived from a nickname for a bookkeeper, or ‘schaeffer’. It is another spelling of the popular ‘Scheefers’.

- Schafer/Schaefer: This Germanic form of ‘Scheefers’, belongs to the Germanic and Dutch surname family Schafer, Shafer, Schaffer and Schafer. It is a status name for a steward, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a patch of land, derived from Middle High German schaf ‘sheep’ + denoting someone who lived on, or near, an area of land where sheep were kept.

- Scheve: Coming from Dutch, this variation is an occupational name for a wearer of spectacles, derived from the Old Dutch Scal ‘spectacle’.

- Schiefer: This name is derived from the Middle High German schif ‘talent’ or ‘skill’, plus the suffix -er; thus, it was a status name for someone with a special talent.

- Schieferstein: This Germanic surname refers to a family from an area of Germany agriculturally devoted to the cultivation of a type of stone known as ‘schieferstein’. It is derived from the Middle High German schief ‘tile’ + the suffix -er, plus stein ‘stone’.

Hence, these variants and surnames, while related to Scheefers, have a different meaning and origins and can provide many clues about the family's ancestry and history.

Famous people with the name Scheefers

• Paul Scheefers: Dutch professional footballer and manager.
• Johannes Scheefers: German photographer and painter.
• Jim Scheefers: American football player who played for Oregon State University.
• Ellen Scheefers-de Haan: Dutch classical composer and conductor.
• Wilco Scheefers: Dutch professional squash player.
• Kimberley Scheefers: Dutch badminton player.
• Julius Scheefers: German physicist, co-inventor of the hologram.
• Casper Scheefers: Dutch professional road bicycle racer.
• Erwin Scheefers: Dutch gymnastics Who won the 1977 World Championships.
• Henk Scheefers: Dutch sculptor and contemporary artist.
• Dennis Scheefers: Dutch professional golfer who played on the European Challenge Tour.
• Duarte Scheefers: former Prime Minister of Suriname.
• Herman Scheefers: Canadian physician and businessman.
• Yesse Scheefers: Dutch author of literary fiction and children's books.
• Mathijs Scheefers: Dutch bassist, songwriter, and producer.

Other surnames

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