Schiffes

Schiffes is a surname of German origin. It is relatively uncommon and is most often found among people with German ancestry. In historical records, bearers of the name appear primarily in Germany, with smaller clusters in North America and elsewhere where German migrants settled.

Etymology: The name is linked to the German noun Schiff, meaning "ship." It is generally understood to have originated as an occupational surname for someone associated with ships, such as a sailor or shipbuilder, or as a habitational name from a place linked to maritime activity. As with many surnames, precise origins vary by lineage, and early records are scarce.

Distribution and history: Modern occurrences of Schiffes are sparse, and the surname is considered rare. Genealogical sources place most bearers in Germany, especially in regions with river or port activity, and in diaspora communities in the United States and Canada formed during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Alternate spellings such as Schiff or Schiffe appear more frequently, sometimes reflecting clerical standardization.

Notable people: There are no widely recognized individuals named Schiffes in major reference works. Some private individuals bearing the name have achieved local or professional recognition, but none are broadly documented in encyclopedic sources.

See also: Schiff, Schiffe, Schiffer.