Schafke Surname

About the Schafke surname

The surname Schafke has a long and storied history, with roots in several countries around the world. It is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is thought to have been derived from the word "schaf," which means sheep in German. The surname is fairly uncommon, with a higher incidence in the United States compared to Brazil and the Netherlands.

Origin and Meaning

The Schafke surname is of German origin, with its roots in the Middle Ages. The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked with sheep, such as a shepherd or a wool merchant. In German, the word "schaf" means sheep, and the suffix "-ke" is a diminutive ending, indicating a small or young sheep. Therefore, the surname Schafke may have originally referred to someone who raised or traded in sheep.

It is not uncommon for surnames to have originated from occupations or characteristics of individuals, and the Schafke surname is no exception. As sheep were a common and important part of agricultural life in medieval Germany, it is likely that the surname was given to individuals who played a significant role in the care or trade of sheep.

Distribution

The Schafke surname is not widely spread, with a higher incidence in the United States compared to Brazil and the Netherlands. According to data from the respective countries, the surname has an incidence of 6 in the United States, 3 in Brazil, and 1 in the Netherlands.

It is interesting to note the variation in distribution of the surname across different countries. The higher incidence in the United States may be attributed to German immigration to the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many German immigrants brought their surnames with them, contributing to the presence of the Schafke surname in the United States.

In Brazil and the Netherlands, the lower incidence of the Schafke surname may be due to a smaller population of individuals with German ancestry. While Germany has historically had close ties with both countries, the presence of the Schafke surname may be less common due to factors such as intermarriage or migration patterns.

Famous Individuals

While the Schafke surname may not be widely recognized, there have been individuals throughout history who have borne the name. One such individual is Johann Schafke, a German artist known for his landscape paintings in the late 19th century. Schafke's work has been exhibited in galleries across Europe, and his paintings are highly sought after by collectors.

Another notable individual with the Schafke surname is Maria Schafke, a Brazilian activist who fought for women's rights in the early 20th century. Schafke was a pioneering figure in the women's suffrage movement in Brazil, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women in the country.

These individuals, among others, have helped to bring attention to the Schafke surname and its unique history. While the surname may not be as widely known as others, it is an important part of the cultural and historical tapestry of Germany and beyond.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Schafke surname is a fascinating and unique name with origins in Germany and a presence in countries around the world. Its association with sheep and agriculture reflects the importance of these activities in medieval German society, and the surname's distribution in countries like the United States, Brazil, and the Netherlands highlights the global reach of German immigration and cultural influence.

The surname Schafke within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar takes place in the case of Schafke, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname that may be found in all the countries of this globe. Just as you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people because of the surname Schafke is greater than in other countries.

The map associated with Schafke surname

View Schafke surname map

The possibility of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Schafke on earth, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we could begin to see the tangible number of people using the surname Schafke, to obtain this way the complete information of all Schafke that one may presently find in that country. All this also assists us to understand not only in which the surname Schafke arises from, but also in what way the individuals that are initially the main family members that bears the surname Schafke have moved and moved. In the same way, you can see by which places they have settled and grown up, which is why if Schafke is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other nations regarding the globe it's possible that certain of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Schafke on the planet

  1. United States United States (6)
  2. Brazil Brazil (3)
  3. Netherlands Netherlands (1)