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 Shef family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Shef Family History

Shef 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: Shen, Sheff, Shea, Shew, Sher, Shek, Shey, Sheu, Shed, Shi

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Shef family from?

You can see how Shef families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Shef family name was found in the USA, the UK, and Scotland between 1871 and 1920. The most Shef families were found in USA in 1880. In 1891 there was 1 Shef family living in Hampshire. This was 100% of all the recorded Shef's in United Kingdom. Hampshire had the highest population of Shef families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Shef 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 Shef family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 103 census records available for the last name Shef. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Shef census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Shef

Passenger Lists

There are 44 immigration records available for the last name Shef. 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 Shef immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 13 military records available for the last name Shef. For the veterans among your Shef ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Shef military records

You've only scratched the surface of Shef family history

Discover More

What is the average Shef lifespan?

Between 1993 and 2002, in the United States, Shef life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1993, and highest in 2002. The average life expectancy for Shef in 1993 was 66, and 89 in 2002.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Shef

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Shef 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 Shef family tree

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