Shaffer is a surname of German origin, derived from the occupational term "Schaffer," which means 'steward' or 'manager.' It was originally an occupation name for a steward or bailiff, responsible for managing estates or households. The name is also associated with several notable figures in various fields. For instance, David Shaffer is a prominent British psychologist known for his work on autism and child development. In the world of literature, William L. Shaffer is recognized as an author and critic who has written extensively on American literature. Additionally, the Shaffer family is well-known in American politics, with several members having served in public office over generations.
The name Shaffer experienced fluctuations in popularity over the decades with a total of 43 babies named Shaffer between 1971 and 2011. The years with the highest number of births were 2002 with 9 babies and 2009 with 7 babies.