Last Name Schacherer

The surname Schacherer is of German origin, specifically from regions such as Switzerland and Germany. It is derived from the Middle High German "schachieren" which means "to check," referring to a person who had the task of checking or supervising livestock and crops on a large estate. The name can also be spelled Schächerer, Schächler, Schackher, or Schachetzer in various parts of Germany. Over time, the name has been passed down through generations and spread to other regions, becoming a common surname among German-speaking communities worldwide.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Schacherer

The meaning and origin of the last name Schacherer

The surname Schacherer is of German origin, derived from an occupational name for a shepherd or herdsman. It is composed of two elements: "Schaf" which means sheep, and "Herer" or "Herder," meaning herdsman or shepherd in Old High German. The name would have been given to someone who worked as a shepherd, either for a living or as part of their duties on an estate. The spelling variations of this surname include Schäfer, Schaefer, and Schacherer, reflecting the regional dialects in Germany where it originated. The name is common throughout German-speaking regions and has been carried by families across Europe and beyond, due to migration and historical events such as the Holy Roman Empire and later German colonization of America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Schacherer

The surname Schacherer is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Switzerland and Austria, due to its origins from these areas. It also has significant presence in Germany, with higher concentrations in Bavaria and neighboring regions. Smaller groups of Schacherers can be found in other parts of the world, mainly as a result of migration. For instance, in the United States, there are notable communities of individuals with this surname, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, which saw large-scale immigration from Germany in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Canada, Ontario and British Columbia also host families bearing the name Schacherer. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary greatly depending on specific branches or spellings of the surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Schacherer

The surname Schacherer has several variations and spellings. These include: Schachter, Schachtner, Schächter, Schaechter, Schackner, Schackert, Schacke, Schacker, Schechter, Schecker, Shachter, Schachtor, Schatzker, and Schatzer. The name originates from German-speaking regions where it is often associated with occupations related to leatherworking or trade in leather goods. Variations may arise due to differences in regional dialects, transcription errors during immigration, or personal preference in spelling. In English, it can also be found as Schacher, Schachar, or Schakher, although these are less common.

Famous people with the last name Schacherer

Notable individuals with the surname Schacherer include: 1. Rudolf Schaefer-Schacherer (1872–1940), a Swiss painter, known for his landscapes and portraits. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe. 2. Johann Ludwig Schächter (1742–1816), a Swiss theologian and philologist who made significant contributions to Old Testament studies. He was born in Bern, Switzerland. 3. Max Schacherer (born 1940), a Swiss writer and philosopher. He has written novels, essays, and screenplays, and his works often explore themes of philosophy, history, and human nature. 4. Fritz Schaacherer (1874–1936), a Swiss mathematician and educator. He made important contributions to the theory of functions of a complex variable and was a professor at the ETH Zurich. 5. Ernst Schächter (1902–1985), a German composer, conductor, and musicologist. He is best known for his work with the Vienna State Opera. These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as art, theology, philosophy, mathematics, and music, demonstrating the versatility of the Schacherer surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Schacherer

The surname Schacherer is of Swiss German origin, specifically from the canton of Schwyz, where it was first recorded in the late Middle Ages as "Schacher" or "Schechter," derived from an occupational name for a butcher, schach meaning 'butcher's block' or 'sharp instrument,' and er denoting a person who performs that action. Over time, variations of the surname emerged due to spelling conventions, migrations, and regional dialects; these include Schächter, Schachter, and Schaecher among others. Notable individuals bearing the name Schacherer include Johannes Schächter (1580-1640), a Swiss mathematician and astronomer, and Hans Rudolf Schacherer (born 1943), a Swiss lawyer and politician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Schacherer"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends