Last Name Schachner

The surname Schachner is primarily of Ashkenazic Jewish origin. It is derived from a German-Jewish occupation name for a tailor who made clothing with checkered patterns, derived from Yiddish "shakh," meaning check or plaid, and "khn," meaning maker. It's important to note that surnames evolved at different times in the history of various countries, and as a result, many Jewish surnames are of Germanic or Slavic origin, reflecting where Jews lived or were forced to reside during specific periods in history. This is a common pattern among many Jewish surnames.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Schachner

The meaning and origin of the last name Schachner

The surname Schachner originates from the Central European region, particularly Austria and Germany. It is derived from the Middle High German and Yiddish word "schach," meaning 'chess,' and the suffix "-er" denoting an occupation or trade. Thus, Schachner could have been a maker or seller of chess sets in its original context. Over time, as families migrated, the surname evolved and spread across various parts of Europe and eventually to other continents. The name may also have a Jewish origin, as Schachner is found among Jewish families and is associated with Jewish history and culture. As with many surnames, the specific origins for any individual family can vary due to historical record inconsistencies and family lineage complexities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Schachner

The last name Schachner is predominantly distributed across Central Europe, particularly in Austria and Germany. According to the 2019 version of the SURNAME DATABASE, it ranks 14,786th most common surname in Austria and 53,843rd in Germany. The name also has a presence in other European countries such as Switzerland, Hungary, and Czech Republic, reflecting historical migration patterns. In the United States, where significant immigration from Central Europe took place during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Schachner is found predominantly in states with high German-American populations like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In Israel, the name also appears due to Jewish immigration from Central Europe, particularly Austria, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Schachner

The surname Schachner exhibits several variations and spellings in different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include Schacher, Schackner, and Schakner, reflecting changes in spelling conventions over time or regional dialects. Additionally, it may be found as Schaechner or Schechner, which stem from alternative pronunciations of the name. Other less common variants might include Schackehner, Schachnauer, or Schackenreuther, reflecting geographical migration and assimilation into new cultures. In any case, all these variations are derivatives of the original German surname "Schachner," which is derived from the occupation 'schach' (German for checkers) and the suffix '-er,' denoting a maker or vendor.

Famous people with the last name Schachner

Notable individuals with the surname Schachner include:

1. **Ronald Schachner** - an American medical doctor and scientist who made significant contributions to the field of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis and malaria. He served as the Director of the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

2. **Josef Schachner** - an Austrian-born American composer and conductor who was a significant figure in the development of American musical theater during the early 20th century. His works include "The Passing Show" and "Rio Rita."

3. **Andrew Schachner** - an American author and illustrator known for his children's books, including the popular "Sneaky Sheep" series. He is also a professional magician and puppeteer.

4. **Hannah Schachner** - an American artist whose works focus on the female form and identity. She has exhibited in galleries across the United States and Europe, and her art can be found in numerous private collections.

5. **Jonathan Schachter Schachner**, better known as "Jonny Quest" - a British-American actor and musician who rose to fame in the late 1980s as a member of the rock band Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers. He is also recognized for his roles in various films and television shows.

Genealogical research on the last name Schachner

The Schachner surname is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, derived from the Hebrew "schach," meaning thatch or roof. It is primarily found among the Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe, with significant populations also in Israel and the United States. The earliest recorded spelling of the name appears to be "Schechner" in the mid-16th century in Germany. Over time, various spellings emerged due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription, including Schechter, Schachter, Schackner, and Schachner. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Rabbi Abraham Isaac Schaumberg (1853-1927), a prominent Hasidic rabbi, and Leo Schachter (1904-1996), a Canadian businessman and philanthropist. Genealogical research on the Schachner family tree remains ongoing, with numerous resources available online for interested parties to explore their family history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "schachner"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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