Schaefer is a male name of German origin, meaning "Steward" or "Butler". It is an alternative spelling and cognate for the German word "schäfer", which translates to "shepherd" and has its roots in Old High German. Variants of the name include "Shaefer", "Schäfer", "Schäffer", "Schaeffer", "Schaffer", "Shaffer", and "Schafer", which are common surnames. Prominent individuals with the name Schaefer include historical figures like Arnold Schaefer, a German historian, and contemporary personalities such as Vic Schaefer, an American basketball coach. The name has a strong presence in various fields, including sports, literature, science, and politics. Overall, Schaefer is a name with a rich German heritage and a history of notable individuals bearing the name.