schoffels

Schoffels is a surname of German origin. In English-language usage, the name may appear without diacritics as Schoffel or Schoffels, and it is sometimes associated with the German surname Schöffel in its various transliterations. The spelling variants reflect differences in rendering German umlauts in non-German texts.

Etymology and background commonly connect the name to historical roles in German-speaking communities. One proposed origin links the surname to the office of Schöffe, a lay judge or juror in medieval and early modern German courts. As a family name, Schoffels and its variants are found among descendants of German-speaking regions and in immigrant communities abroad.

Notable uses and presence. The surname Schoffels has appeared in genealogical and public-record sources, where individuals bearing the name have been involved in academia, business, and local public life. As with many surnames of German origin, distribution patterns often trace back to regions with historical magistrate or civic roles, though contemporary bearers may have diversified occupations.

Other uses. Schöffel, a variant spelling closer to the original German, is also the name of a well-known German outdoor clothing brand. The company produces apparel and gear for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities and maintains an international market presence. In English-language contexts, “Schoffels” may be encountered as a pluralized form of the surname rather than a brand name, but care should be taken not to conflate the two distinct references.

See also. Schöffel (brand) and Schöffe (the lay-judge role).