Schärer

Schärer is a surname of Swiss German origin. It is believed to derive from the occupational name for a carpenter or joiner, stemming from the Middle High German word "scharn" or "scharren," meaning "to scrape" or "to shave wood." Like many surnames, it likely emerged in the medieval period as a way to distinguish individuals based on their trade. Over time, the name spread beyond its original Swiss German speaking regions through migration and emigration.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Schärer include Erwin Schärer, a Swiss politician who served in the National Council, and Samuel Schärer, a Swiss footballer. The distribution of the surname is most concentrated in Switzerland, particularly in the German-speaking cantons. However, individuals with the Schärer surname can also be found in other countries, reflecting historical patterns of migration, especially to North America. Genealogical research into the Schärer surname often reveals connections to various Swiss ancestral villages and towns. The name itself, while not exceptionally common, is recognizable within its regions of origin and among those with Swiss heritage.