Surname Arfmann - Meaning and Origin
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Arfmann: What does the surname Arfmann mean?
The surname Arfmann is of German origin and is of patronymic (or “identifying son of”) form. It is derived from a personal name which begins with the Germanic element Arf, adapted from the Old High German name Herolf. This is composed of two elements, 'heri', meaning 'army', and 'wolf', which means 'wolf'. Celebrating the qualities of bravery, courage, and strength associated with a warrior, the name would have initially been given to a family that was renowned for these qualities.
The surname Arfmann is more common in north, central, and eastern Germany, although it is found elsewhere throughout Europe. Records of the name date back as far as 1356, when one Johannes Herolf was recorded in the charters of Bavaria. Since its establishment, the name has been extended in its added variants including Arfman, Arfwman, Arfmann, Harffman, Harfman, Hörfel, Herfels and Horvath.
The legacy of the Arfmann surname continues today, carried by its many descendants. Despite its German roots, the name represents a global heritage, tracing its history to deep within cultures and ancestry. It boasts a past steeped in courage, honor, and strength — admirable qualities that remain as enduring today as they did centuries ago.
Order DNA origin analysisArfmann: Where does the name Arfmann come from?
The last name Arfmann is quite common in parts of Northern Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Since the name is of Germanic origin, it is more likely to appear in countries that were under Germanic influence during the Middle Ages, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Records indicate that the Arfmann surname became popular in parts of North America with increasing levels of German migration in the 18th century. Most people bearing the Arfmann surname today live in either Germany or the United States.
In the United States, states with large German-American populations such as Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota are the most likely locations to encounter people with the Arfmann surname. According to recent population data, there are a total of over 850 people with the Arfmann surname in the United States. An estimated 735 people with the Arfmann surname live in Germany, making it the second-largest home to people with this last name.
The name Arfmann is thought to have originally been derived from the German word for “eaglet” or “youthful warrior.” It is believed to have been created to describe a young person who was strong and brave in battle. The surname is likely to have become more common with the growth of Germanic influence overseas during the Middle Ages. The name continues to spread to new locations due to the modern trend of increased movement and immigration between countries.
Variations of the surname Arfmann
The surname Arfmann is a German surname that can have several variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. It is typically derived from the name “Arf”, which was originally an occupational name for a cooper or barrel maker. The variants of Arfmann include:
- Arfman
- Erffman
- Erfmann
- Ehrfmann
- Erfman
- Arffman
- Erpman
- Erpmann
In some cases, variant spellings of the name may be derived from another name, such as “Erp”, which is a German name and originally stood for ‘eagle’. Variants of this are Erpmann and Erpman.
The surnames Arfmann and Erfmann are very closely related and can sometimes be seen interchangeably. Erfmann is the more traditional form of the name, and it is believed that surnames beginning with the letter ‘E’ were more widely used in Northern Germany, while Southern and Western Germany favored the name Arfmann.
The variants of the Arfmann surname also exist in other countries such as Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and France. Arfmans, Arffmans, Erffmans and Erfmans are some of the more common surnames in these countries.
The surname Arfmann is a very unique and distinct surname, and its variants can be seen in many different European countries. These variants can help trace one’s family history and provide a better understanding of their unique family story.
Famous people with the name Arfmann
- Lutz Arfmann: German film and television actor.
- Lorenz Arfmann: German rococo painter and engraver.
- Jannis Arfmann: German economist and corporate executive.
- Benjamin Arfmann: German painter and draughtsman of the late Rococo period.
- Joseph Arfmann: German bassoonist and opera singer.
- Franz Arfmann: German producer and screenwriter.
- Harald Arfmann: German television producer and director.
- Friedel Arfmann: German painter, sculptor and engraver.
- Johan Arfmann: German composer and organist.
- Ulf Arfmann: German composer, music educator, and choral director.