All about the name

Shafer

Male

« Shafer is a rare English given name of German origin, derived from the occupational surname 'shafer', which means "sheep". »

#18724 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Shafer is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the occupational surname Shafer, which is of German origin. The surname Shafer is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word "schaf", meaning "sheep". Therefore, the name Shafer is thought to have been originally given to shepherds or those who worked with sheep. The first recorded use of the given name Shafer was in the United States in the late 19th century. However, it has remained relatively rare and is still not among the most popular names today. Despite its rarity, Shafer has a certain charm and uniqueness that makes it stand out. In terms of popularity, Shafer has never made it into the top 1000 baby names in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only around 5-10 boys are named Shafer each year in the US. This makes it a highly uncommon name, but one that is certainly memorable. Overall, Shafer is an interesting and distinctive given name of German origin. While its meaning may not be as significant as some other names, its rarity and uniqueness make it a standout choice for parents looking for something different.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Shafer since 1880

Total births
125
Total since 1880
Peak year
1994
11 births
in 2018
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+20%
vs previous 5 years