Surname Scherfke - Meaning and Origin
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Scherfke: What does the surname Scherfke mean?
The last name Scherfke is of German origin and has multiple possible meanings. It may be derived from a Middle High German term meaning to cut or to shear, which suggests a person with the occupation of a shearer, or one who cuts cloth. Alternatively, the name may have been derived from a village or region called Sherf, and indicate a person from that area.
The earliest known record of the Scherfke name was found in documents from Langen-Gelnhausen, in Germany, from the 1300s. According to family tradition, the Scherfke family hails from the Posen region in Poland, however it’s also believed that the family moved around from one part of Germany to another for many generations.
In more recent times, many members of the Scherfke family have emigrated from Germany and settled in other countries around the world. The name has become common in both the United States and Australia, where it is usually spelled Sherfke.
Today, people with the Scherfke last name can trace their roots back to both Germany and Poland, as well as many other countries. While the exact origin of the name is not certain, its various meanings hint at a story of hard work and diverse experiences that continue to be shared by many generations of the Scherfke family.
Order DNA origin analysisScherfke: Where does the name Scherfke come from?
The last name Scherfke is most commonly found in Europe, specifically in Germany and the Netherlands. Germany is where the name originated, specifically in the state of Saxony, where it is reported to be one of the most frequent surnames in the region. Records in Germany involving the name have been found as far back as the 16th century.
The name then spread through Europe and is found as far north as Denmark and Sweden, and as far south as Belgium and France. It is especially common in certain provinces of the Netherlands, such as Drenthe, Overijssel, and Utrecht.
Outside Europe, name bearers have moved to various corners of the world, particularly Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. They usually tend to form small groups or settlements, keeping the name alive.
In the United States, the Census Bureau reported that the last name Scherfke could be found in most states, but was most popular in Texas, California, and New York. It is also more common in certain cities and counties, such as San Antonio, Seattle, San Francisco, and in Los Angeles.
The name Scherfke is still found in many parts of the world, but the most concentrated areas of the population are in the Netherlands and Germany.
Variations of the surname Scherfke
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Scherfke include: Scherfke, Scharfke, Scherffke, Scherfken, Scherfcke, Scharfcke, Scharfken, Sharfke and Sarfke.
Scherfke is a German surname derived from the word “Scharf” meaning sharp. It is believed to refer to an individual who was an outstanding swordsman or perhaps a sharpshooter. Some have suggested the surname may also be an occupational name referring to someone who worked with knives, as “Kef” in German translates to knife.
The earliest recorded mention of the surname can be found in documents dating back to the 15th century in Germany. During the 19th century, the surname was most common in the regions of Saxony, Prussia and Westphalia.
In addition, Scherfke is also a common variant in some Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Throughout the centuries, the spelling of the surname has changed slightly — from Scherfe, Scharfe, Scharffken, Sharffke, to its modern form, Scherfke.
The surnames Scharf, Scharfen, Scharfy, and Sharf are also of the same origin. Other related variations include Scharfeld, Scharff, Sharfenberg, and Scharfenstein.
In conclusion, the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Scherfke are numerous and are spread across many countries. Despite this, the meaning of the name remains the same — a sharp-minded, skilful individual.
Famous people with the name Scherfke
- Timo Scherfke: a German-Canadian curler from Brandon, Manitoba.
- Giles Scherfke: a French television, radio, and film actor.
- Dirk Scherfke: a former German futsal player.
- Justine Scherfke: a French actress and TV host.
- Tim Scherfke: a retired German-American soccer player who competed in the USISL and USL A-League.
- Tom Scherfke: a German slalom canoeist who competed from the late 1980s to the late 1990s.
- Eric Scherfke: a German football player.
- Martin Scherfke: a Freestyle motocross rider from Germany.
- Christian Scherfke: a German Paralympic snowboarder.
- Michele Scherfke: a German taekwondo practitioner.