Schurf

Schurf is a term most often encountered as a German surname and as a toponym in German-speaking regions. The exact origin of the surname is uncertain, but it is generally regarded as Germanic in origin. Some scholars suggest it may derive from a topographic term or an occupational designation used in Middle High German, and regional spelling and pronunciation variants are common in historical records.

As a toponym, Schurf appears in historical documents describing places or landscape features in various parts of the German-speaking world. Such place-name attestations are relatively uncommon today and are primarily found in archival material, older maps, or regional histories. The use as a modern place name is limited.

In contemporary references, Schurf is primarily encountered as a surname. It is relatively uncommon, and there are no widely known individuals with a standalone biographical article bearing the name. The name may be found in genealogical databases, regional archives, and civil records, where it contributes to the broader tapestry of Germanic toponyms and family names.