Schafer' means 'shepherd' in German. It has its roots in the Middle Ages, where it was a common occupation name. Schafer is a popular surname in Germany, where it ranks as the 72nd most common surname, but its popularity in other European countries is not clearly established. While it does not have the same level of historical or biblical significance as Ezekiel, it carries a strong sense of tradition and heritage. There are no specific variants or nicknames for the surname Schafer, as it is primarily used as a single name.
