This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Schaef family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Schaef Family History

Schaef Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Schaaf, Schaff, Scharf, Schauf, Schaer, Schaf, Chae, Schatz, Schaar

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Schaef family from?

You can see how Schaef families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Schaef family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1880 and 1920. The most Schaef families were found in USA in 1920. In 1880 there were 13 Schaef families living in Missouri. This was about 25% of all the recorded Schaef's in USA. Missouri had the highest population of Schaef families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Schaef surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Schaef ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Farmer and Housewife were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Schaef. 36% of Schaef men worked as a Farmer and 25% of Schaef women worked as a Housewife. Some less common occupations for Americans named Schaef were Truck Driver and Teacher.

View Census Data for Schaef | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Farmer
    36%
  • Laborer
    31%
  • Salesman
    13%
  • Truck Driver
    6%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Housewife
    25%
  • Stenographer
    25%
  • Nurse
    17%
  • Teacher
    17%

What Schaef family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 2,000 census records available for the last name Schaef. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Schaef census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Schaef

Passenger Lists

There are 311 immigration records available for the last name Schaef. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Schaef immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 233 military records available for the last name Schaef. For the veterans among your Schaef ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Schaef military records

You've only scratched the surface of Schaef family history

Discover More

What is the average Schaef lifespan?

Between 1969 and 2003, in the United States, Schaef life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1997, and highest in 2000. The average life expectancy for Schaef in 1969 was 76, and 81 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Schaef

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Schaef ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Schaef family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial