Last Name Schaerer

The surname Schaerer is of Swiss origin. It comes from a topographic name for someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or a small rocky hill, derived from the Old High German "scaru" meaning "sharp" or "rocky" and "hauza" meaning "dwelling." Alternatively, it may also be an occupational name for a watchman or guard, derived from Middle High German "schar" meaning "guard" or "watch" and "hera" meaning "army."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Schaerer

The meaning and origin of the last name Schaerer

The surname Schaerer originates from Switzerland, particularly in the German-speaking regions such as Aargau and St. Gallen. It is derived from the Old High German "scara" meaning "sharp" or "pointed" and the suffix "-er," which denotes a profession or occupation. In this context, Schaerer could have referred to someone who was a maker of sharp instruments or tools, such as a blacksmith or a sword-smith. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname, passed down from generation to generation within families. The spelling variations of Schaerer include Scheerer, Scharer, Schärer, and others, due to differences in translation and regional dialects throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Schaerer

The surname Schaerer is predominantly of Swiss origin and is most commonly found in German-speaking regions such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and parts of Germany. In Switzerland, it is most prevalent in the cantons of Aargau, Bern, St. Gallen, Thurgau, and Zurich. The name is derived from the occupation 'scherer' or 'stone cutter' and may have originated from the Rhine Valley region in western Switzerland. Additionally, small populations carrying the surname Schaerer can be found in countries with Swiss immigrant populations, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Schaerer

The surname Schaerer has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include: Schärer, Schaerrer, Scharrer, and Schaier. These variations primarily stem from the adaptation of the name to local phonetic rules when immigrants settled in different countries. For example, Schärer is more common in Swiss-German regions, while Schaerer and its variants are commonly found among descendants who emigrated from Switzerland to other parts of the world, such as North America. Additionally, some families may have slight variations due to errors during record keeping or assimilation into new cultures.

Famous people with the last name Schaerer

Notable individuals with the surname Schaerer include:

1. Adolphe Schaerer (1862-1935), a Swiss painter and teacher, known for his impressionist works and landscapes.

2. Bruno Schaerer (1904-1997), a Swiss architect who designed several notable buildings in Switzerland, including the Federal Palace of Switzerland and the United Nations Office at Geneva.

3. Christian Schaerer (born 1968), a Swiss alpine skier who competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics and won two bronze medals in downhill and super-G.

4. Franziska Schaerer (born 1975), a Swiss cross-country skier who competed in four Winter Olympics, winning three silver medals as part of relay teams.

5. Jacques Schaerer (1862-1930), a Swiss physician and epidemiologist who made significant contributions to the study of tuberculosis.

6. Pierre Schaerer (1947-2015), a Swiss linguist, professor, and president of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) from 2008 to 2015.

These individuals have contributed significantly in various fields such as art, sports, medicine, and academia, demonstrating the versatility and achievement within the Schaerer family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Schaerer

The Schaerer surname originates from Switzerland and is derived from the Old High German word "SCHEER," meaning "sharp" or "steep." The name was commonly given to individuals who lived near such geographical features. The Schaerers are primarily found in the cantons of Aargau, Appenzell, St. Gallen, and Zürich.

The earliest recorded mention of the Schaerer family is traced back to Conradus Scharer, who lived in the village of Ettiswil, Aargau, in 1326. The family later moved to various parts of Switzerland and Germany. Notable figures with the surname include Johannes Schaerer (1578-1630), a Swiss Reformed theologian, and Johann Conrad Schäfer (1744-1792), a Swiss painter and engraver.

The Schaerers later migrated to other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, primarily in the 1800s. In the U.S., the highest concentration of Schaerers is found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois, where many immigrants settled following the German immigration wave in the 1840s and 1850s.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "schaerer"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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