Shafer is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the occupational surname Shafer, which is of German origin. The surname Shafer is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word "schaf", meaning "sheep". Therefore, the name Shafer is thought to have been originally given to shepherds or those who worked with sheep.
The first recorded use of the given name Shafer was in the United States in the late 19th century. However, it has remained relatively rare and is still not among the most popular names today. Despite its rarity, Shafer has a certain charm and uniqueness that makes it stand out.
In terms of popularity, Shafer has never made it into the top 1000 baby names in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only around 5-10 boys are named Shafer each year in the US. This makes it a highly uncommon name, but one that is certainly memorable.
Overall, Shafer is an interesting and distinctive given name of German origin. While its meaning may not be as significant as some other names, its rarity and uniqueness make it a standout choice for parents looking for something different.
Shafer is a unique and uncommon name, with only 125 births recorded in the United States between 1990 and 2018. The popularity of this name has varied over time, with peaks occurring in certain years.
In the early 1990s, the number of babies named Shafer was relatively low, with only 7 births in 1990 and 5 births in 1991. However, there was a significant increase in popularity between 1993 and 1994, with 8 births in 1993 and an impressive 11 births in 1994.
After reaching this peak, the number of babies named Shafer began to decline once again. Between 1995 and 2003, there were fewer than 7 births each year, with a low of only 5 births in both 1995 and 2003.
However, despite its overall rarity, the name Shafer has experienced brief periods of renewed popularity over the years. For example, there were 6 births each year between 1998 and 2000, and then again between 2007 and 2009. More recently, there have been 5 or 6 births each year since 2010, with a peak of 7 births in both 2012 and 2018.
Overall, while Shafer may not be a particularly popular name in the United States, it has managed to maintain a consistent presence over time, with at least one birth recorded each year between 1990 and 2018.