The etymology of the name Schüttorf is not exactly known and various folk explanations have been put forth, the most widespread of which is the legend that tells of the river Vechte being diverted around the town as early as 1295 by building a dam.
Schüttorfi nime etümoloogia pole täpselt teada ja välja on toodud erinevad rahva seletused, millest kõige levinum on legend, mis ütleb, et Vechte jõgi suunati juba 1295. aastal paisu ehitamisega ümber linna.