Last Name Scherrer

The surname Scherrer originates from Germanic roots. It is derived from the Old High German "scerar" or "scherara," which means "shepherd" or "watchman." This name would have been occupational, indicating a person who was a shepherd or watchman in a medieval context. The spelling of this name can vary, including Scherer, Scherr, Scheer, and similar variations, due to the historical transliteration of German names into other languages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Scherrer

The meaning and origin of the last name Scherrer

The surname Scherrer is a German-speaking variant of the name Scheurer. It originates from the Old High German word "sceruhara" or "schiruhara," which means "shepherd's field." This name was often given to individuals who lived near or worked on a shepherd's field, reflecting their occupation or location. The surname Scherrer became popular during the Middle Ages when the use of hereditary surnames began in Europe. As people moved from rural areas to cities and record-keeping improved, they adopted surnames that distinguished them from others with similar first names. Over time, variations of the name Scheurer emerged across German-speaking regions, with Scherrer being one such variant. Today, it is a relatively uncommon surname, but it can be found predominantly among individuals of Swiss and German descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Scherrer

The surname Scherrer is primarily distributed across Europe, with significant concentrations in Switzerland and France. In Switzerland, it is most prevalent in the German-speaking cantons such as Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, and Bern. It also has a notable presence in the French-speaking regions of Jura and Vaud. In France, the highest frequencies of Scherrer are found in the eastern region of Alsace, which was historically part of the Holy Roman Empire and shares cultural ties with neighboring Switzerland. The name is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe including Germany, Austria, Italy, and Spain. Outside of Europe, there are Scherrers in countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia, where immigration from European settlers has historically been significant.

Variants and spellings of the last name Scherrer

The surname Scherrer has several variations and spellings, depending on regional pronunciations and transcriptions over time. Some common variations include: Scherrer, Scheurer, Schiürer, Schirer, Schierer, Schiesser, and Scheysser. These variations may stem from slight differences in pronunciation or the influence of local languages and dialects. The name is of Swiss German origin, with roots in the Germanic language group. It is derived from the occupational name "Scheuer," meaning a shed or barn, indicating someone who worked in a woodworking shop or maintained the sheds on a farm. The spelling and pronunciation may have evolved as families migrated to different regions, adapting their names to local conventions while retaining the basic essence of the original name.

Famous people with the last name Scherrer

Notable individuals with the surname Scherrer include:

1. Hans Rudolf Scherrer (1927-2014), a Swiss mathematician and geodesist who made significant contributions to geophysics, geodesy, and satellite geodesy. He was a member of the International Association of Geodesy's Executive Committee for two terms and served as its President from 1983 to 1987.

2. Ruedi Scherrer (born 1946), a Swiss physicist who is best known for his work in the field of X-ray diffraction and crystallography, particularly in the development of single crystal methods. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to science.

3. Marc Scherrer (born 1958), a Swiss lawyer and politician who served as a member of the National Council from 2007 to 2019, representing the Green Liberal Party. During his tenure, he focused on environmental issues and human rights.

4. Félix Scherrer (born 1969), a Swiss former football player who played as a midfielder. He spent most of his career at FC Basel and represented Switzerland in several international competitions, including the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Genealogical research on the last name Scherrer

The surname Scherrer is of Swiss origin, derived from various locales in Switzerland, most notably from the canton of Bern and the region of Valais. The name Scherrer can be traced back to the Middle Ages, around the 13th century, with early records showing Heinrich Scherrer in the town of Thun, Bern in 1275. Over the centuries, the name has been found in various occupational roles, such as millers, shepherds, and blacksmiths. The spelling variations of the surname include Schärer, Schäfer, Schaerer, and Scheurer, reflecting regional dialects within Switzerland. Some notable individuals with the Scherrer surname include the Swiss physicist Marcel Scherrer and the American sculptor Charles Scherrer. The family history of the Scherrers is rich in Swiss tradition and cultural heritage, making it a fascinating study for those interested in genealogy and Swiss lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Scherrer"
• 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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