About the Shaffer Surname

The last name Shaffer is a variant form of Schaffer, a well-known German family name. The name is generally explained as “Shepherd / steward”.

• Records show Shaffer as one of the forms Schaffer took over time.
• The 2010 census count for Shaffer in the United States was 59,943, good for rank 560.
• Before spelling was standardised, one family could appear under several forms.
• Related forms: Schaeffer, Schafferer and Scheffer.

Family crest and blazon

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Schaffer surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon. Research your Shaffer family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.