This surname is locational, that is, it was assumed by an individual that lived at Schofield. Due to its prevalence, it is likely there are multiple progenitors. One family from Scholefield Hall in Rochdale is recorded from the early 14th century. This family were a minor landed family. Their arms are gules a fesse between three bulls' heads cabossed argent.

The name is derived from the Norse word 'skáli', meaning 'hut' and the Saxon 'feld', meaning 'field' – 'hut in the field'. Thus the person who assumed this surname would have lived in such a place. It has been suggested that the Schoe- originated from the Saxon 'schole,' citing this word as meaning 'hut,' but it actually means 'school;' making it an unlikely origin.

• 1343. Joh. de Scholefeld: The Coucher Book of Whalley abbey
• 1363. Richardus de Skolefeld, taillior, freeman of York: Register of the Freemen of the City of York
• 1564. Anthony Irelad alias Skolefeld, the sonne of Jhon Ireland & Issabell Skofeld, bastard, was christined: Otley, Yorkshire Parish Register
• 1637. for sending Edw: Scofild & Hen Parkinson to the house of correction: The Constables' Accounts of the Manor of Manchester
• 1697. Eliz. Skolefield of Batley, buried: Publications Yorkshire Archaeological Society, Vol. 64
• 1797. Joseph Boyd and Sarah Scuffield, married: Yatley, Hampshire Registers
• 1836. Charles Nuttall and Ellen Schofield, married: Haslingden, Lancashire Registers
— Forebears.io

The old family of Schofield, of Schofield Hall, Spotland, is now extinct in the direct line (W. W.). Scolfeld was a common name in Rochdale parish in the 16th century (F.). Abdie Scholfield was churchwarden of Prestwich in 1645 (B.).

Schofield, a name also established in Lancashire, under which county further reference will be found, is now numerously represented in the Huddersfield and Leeds districts. Joseph Scholfield, haberdasher, of Hats, was buried in St. John's church, Leeds, in 1688 (Th.).