Shafter

“A beloved name with deep roots” — Associated with construction or tool-making

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1818US 2023

382Births / yr

→Stable

119All-time births

📅 Since 189800.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Shafter

SHAFT·er

/ˈʃæft.ɝ/ · stress on SHAFT · 2 syllables

“A beloved name with deep roots”

Associated with construction or tool-making · American origin

What does Shafter mean and where does it come from?

The name 'Shafter' is of American origin, often used as a surname rather than a given name. It is derived from 'shaft', which refers to a long, narrow part or section of an object, often associated with construction or tool-making. The name has become recognized as a given name in some parts of the

Cultural significance

Shafter has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.

Peak popularity

Reached #610 in 1898 — currently #1818 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Shafter?

Shafter works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Shafter Grace

How popular is Shafter right now?

Holding steady — currently #1818 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#1818 · Top 1.3%

1900

1915

1925

1930

1935

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1818	382	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2022	#1823	362	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2021	#1828	332	▲ up 1918 · +6540% births
1935	#3746	5	▼ down 647 · -37% births
1930	#3099	8	▲ up 121
1925	#3220	8	▼ down 63 · +14% births
1915	#3157	7	▼ down 2115 · -12% births
1900	#1042	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shafter

Best Year1900Rank #1042

Peak Count382

Average Rank#2467

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 20238 years

The story of Shafter

Shafter has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. With 119 total births recorded, Shafter remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1042 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1818 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shafter in 1898:

John William James George Charles

Shafter by decade

Shafter peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	14
1900s	18
1910s	7
1920s ★	48
1930s	26
1940s	6

💎Shafter has only 119 total recorded births since 1898 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Shafter?

Common

ShaShieShyAfter

What names sound and feel like Shafter?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shafter also consider these

Shaffer

American · Derived from the

American · Originally a surname

Slayter

American · slicer of wood

Shooter

American · One who shoots,

Carter

American · One who transports

Common questions about the name Shafter

What does the name Shafter mean?

Shafter means "A beloved name with deep roots" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Shafter?

Shafter is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Shafter?

Shafter originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Shafter?

Shafter is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AE1 F T ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Shafter a common or rare name?

Shafter is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.