Surname Schäufle - Meaning and Origin
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Schäufle: What does the surname Schäufle mean?
The last name Schäufle is of German origin and literally translates to “shovel”. This likely indicates that the surname may have derived from someone with the occupation of a miner or a blacksmith. It may also be possible that Schäufle is an occupational surname of someone who worked in a quarry. Another possible origin is from the German word “schaufeln”, meaning to shovel or to dig.
In records, the surname Schäufle is known to date back to as early as the 16th century in the German duchy of Swabia. It was most likely established and adopted by someone who lived in this area. However, the name was not common and is rare even in the area today.
The oldest known forms of Schäufle are “Schäuffelin”, “Schäuffelen”, and “Schäufelin”. During the 1800s, there were many spelling variations, including but not limited to: Schäfelin, Schöfelin, Scheffelin, Scheffelen, Schaufelin, Schuffelin, Schueffelin, Schueffelen, Schoefelin, Schaffelin, Schaffelen, Schauflein, Shaffelein, Shefelin, and Schaeflein.
The family motto of Schäufle may be: “In Arbeit Reichheit” which translates to “prosperity through hard work”.
Today, individuals with the last name Schäufle can be found both in Germany and in the states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Utah, and California in the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisSchäufle: Where does the name Schäufle come from?
The last name Schäufle is commonly found in the south of Germany, particularly the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The name is of German origin and is derived from the Old German name "Schövle", meaning soldier.
Schäufle is a common surname in the town of Waiblingen, located in southwestern Germany. It is one of the oldest towns in the modern state of Baden-Württemberg and has a rich history dating back to 1250. The town was largely unaffected by the Thirty Years War and still holds historic structures which predate the 18th century.
In addition to Waiblingen, the last name Schäufle is found in many other towns and cities in the region, particularly in the southern state of Bavaria. The town of Ichenhausen, located around 40 kilometres southwest of Augsburg is a well-known destination of Schäufle migration. The town's ancestry has been traced back to many towns throughout the region, including those in Switzerland and even parts of Austria.
Today, the surname Schäufle is still commonly found in towns, cities, and villages throughout the region. Its presence is strong in many parts of Germany, particularly in places with a history of migration and settlement. While the origins of the name remain largely obscure, its prevalence is still clear today, demonstrating the lasting legacy of the Schäufle family.
Variations of the surname Schäufle
The surname Schäufle has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include: Schaaffle, Schaafle, Schaufle, Schoffle, Shuffle, Schofield, and Schaffield.
The spelling variations of the surname Schäufle result from a combination of the Germanic languages and the variations developed in English-speaking countries. The German language was heavily influenced by the French in the Middle Ages, resulting in many German words eventually becoming Anglicized. Over time, the spelling changed from Schäufle to the English variants of Schaufle, Schoffle, and Shuffle.
The name Schäufle became more widespread in Germany when Napoleonic laws of the early 19th century made it easier to change surnames. As a result, some families adopted the popular Schoffle spelling, while others chose the more unique Schaafle, Schaufle, or Schofield variants.
Many of the variants of Schäufle are found in America, with the name passing into the United States through German immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Schaffield variation is particularly common in the United States.
In conclusion, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the Schäufle surname reflect the diverse linguistic background and preferences of the immigrant families who settled in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Famous people with the name Schäufle
- Michael Schäufle: German politician and Member of the Bundestag.
- Rolf Schäufle: German athlete, competed in javelin throw and discus competitions.
- Markus Schäufle: German actor, best known for the films Suck Me Shakespeer (2013) and Why We Take the Subway (2015).
- Bernd Schäufle: German painter and sculptor.
- Andreas Schäufle: German musician and composer.
- Maximilian Schäufle: German television presenter and actor.
- Jochen Schäufle: German physician and journalist.
- Martin Schäufle: German footballer, currently playing for FC Augsburg.
- Mareike Schäufle: German professional snowboarder and television presenter.
- Miriam Schäufle: German Paralympian, won two gold medals at the 2004 Summer Paralympics.