Last Name Schaupp

The surname "Schaupp" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "schappe," meaning a small piece of hide or leather used for sewing or mending. In medieval Europe, occupational names were common, and many people took their profession as part of their name. Thus, individuals who worked with leather might have taken "Schaupp" as their surname, indicating that their occupation was related to leatherworking.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Schaupp

The meaning and origin of the last name Schaupp

The surname Schaupp is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "schouwe" which means "shield." Over time, it has been anglicized to various forms such as Schap, Schopp, and Schope. This name was originally a nickname for someone who was strong and protective, symbolizing the image of a shield-bearer or warrior. It is believed that the first bearers of this surname lived in southwestern Germany, particularly in regions like Swabia or Franconia. The name spread across Europe as Germanic tribes migrated and settled in different parts of the continent during the Middle Ages. Today, Schaupp can be found among German, Swiss, Austrian, and other European populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Schaupp

The last name Schaupp is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Switzerland, with significant concentrations in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Aargau. It is also present in Austria, as well as in neighboring countries with historical ties to the region, such as France, Italy, and Liechtenstein. Smaller groups of Schaupp families can be found in other parts of Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand, due to migration waves throughout history. The name may have originated from various locations within Germany, with possible roots in the regions of Schwaben (Swabia), Pfalz (Palatinate), or Schwyz (Schwyz).

Variants and spellings of the last name Schaupp

The surname Schaupp has various spelling and pronunciation variants due to historical and regional influences. Some common variants include Schap, Schapp, Schepp, Scheap, and Shap. These variations might arise from the use of different alphabets, dialects, or phonetic interpretations over time. The name may have originated in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, or other German-speaking regions, where it is derived from the occupational name for a ship builder (Schiffbaur = Ship-builder in Middle High German). In some cases, it could also be a topographical name for someone who lived near a prominent rocky outcrop or steep slope. Despite these variations, the root of the surname Schaupp remains consistent.

Famous people with the last name Schaupp

Notable individuals with the surname Schaupp include:

1. **Kurt Schaupp** (born 1964), a Swiss bobsledder who won a bronze medal in the four-man event at the 1992 Winter Olympics.

2. **Paul Schaupp** (1870-1953), an American architect known for his work on the New York Public Library's main branch and the Boston Public Library's McKim Building.

3. **Walter Schaupp** (1864-1924), a Swiss engineer who designed the first electric tramway system in Geneva, Switzerland.

4. **Karin Schaupp** (born 1970), an Austrian author known for her novels such as "Der Mann mit der Tasche" and "Die schwarze Witwe".

5. **Gregor Schaupp** (born 1984), a Swiss footballer who played for FC Basel in the Swiss Super League.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including sports, architecture, engineering, literature, and football.

Genealogical research on the last name Schaupp

The Schaupp surname originates from Germany, with roots traced back to the medieval era. Originally spelled as "Schaf," it eventually evolved into the current form "Schaupp." The name is thought to be an occupational or locational one, derived from the Middle High German word "schaf," meaning sheep, or a place named Schafenberg.

The Schaupp family can be found in various regions of Germany, particularly Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. The earliest known record of the Schaupp name is found in the 13th century in the town of Mosbach, Baden-Württemberg. Over time, many branches of the Schaupp family emigrated to other parts of Europe and eventually to North America, settling primarily in Pennsylvania and New York during the 18th and 19th centuries due to German immigration waves.

Notable Schaupp descendants include Johann Friedrich von Schaup (1645-1713), a professor of mathematics and natural law at the University of Jena, as well as multiple generations of American Schaupps who made significant contributions in various fields such as education, politics, and business. Genealogical research continues to uncover more details about the history and dispersal of the Schaupp surname across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Schaupp"
• 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

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