Surname Backoff - Meaning and Origin
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Backoff: What does the surname Backoff mean?
The last name Backoff is a German surname that is derived from the name of a place. The surname is derived from the Middle High German word 'backe' which means "hill or ridge" and 'off' which is an old German term used to describe people who lived on top of a hill or ridge.
During the Middle Ages, many Germanic surnames came about as a result of the increasing population and a need to distinguish between people who had the same first name. The Backoff surname was likely created in this way, as a way to refer to people who lived at the top of a hill or ridge.
As Germany was divided and modernized during the 19th and 20th centuries, many Germanic surnames such as Backoff remained popular and were eventually adopted by other cultures. Today, this surname can be found throughout Germany, as well as in the United States, Canada and other countries of German origin.
The Backoff surname is a reminder of the Germanic and Middle Ages origin of the family, as well as the meaning of the name itself. It denotes not only a particular location, but also the strength and determination of the family who lived there. It reflects a family history of hard work, perseverance, and loyalty to their homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisBackoff: Where does the name Backoff come from?
The surname Backoff is most commonly found in areas of eastern Germany, including Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, and Brandenburg. It is also present in areas with a western Germanic language such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and northern France.
The surname is likely of Germanic origin, first appearing in documents as Bekehuve in the twelfth century. It is believed to originally mean “back-dweller” from the Middle Low German beckenhuve. Over time the surname has evolved to Beckof, Beckewoof, Bäkoff, and Backoff.
In Germany today, there are approximately 1,800 individuals with the surname Backoff. In the United States, the surname is relatively rare with only 66 individuals with the surname sharing it in the 2010 census. However, the surname is on the rise in the US with its population growing 14.3% between the 2000 and 2010 census.
Due to the German origin of the surname, many of the present-day individuals in the US with the surname likely have German heritage. Additionally, due to the density of the surname in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, many individuals from these countries likely have the surname as well.
Variations of the surname Backoff
Backoff is a name of Germanic origin, deriving from several distinct sources. There are several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin:
Backoffen - This is a more traditional spelling of the surname, deriving from Old German. It is believed to be derived from an old German personal name "Bachhof".
Bakoff - This variant of the surname is also of Germanic origin, related to the "Bachhof" mentioned earlier. It may have also developed from Middle English “backoffe”, meaning “a dwelling by the back road.”
Bakeoff - This spelling is more commonly seen in the United States. It is derived from the variant “Bakoff”, and may be a contraction of the name.
Bakoffes - This more traditional spelling is found mainly in Eastern Europe. It is a variation of the Germanic “Bachhof”, meaning “a dwelling by the back road.”
Bokoff - This variant of the surname is found mainly in Russia. It may be derived from the Middle Eastern personal name “Bokh”.
Bachofen - A more traditional spelling of the surname found in Germany, it is derived from the Old German personal name “Bachhof”.
Noack - This is a variation of the surname found mainly in Europe. It is believed to be derived from the Old German personal name “Noah”.
There may be other variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Backoff, depending on the location.
Famous people with the name Backoff
- Norman Backoff: Professor Emeritus of sociology at the University of Utah.
- Bruce Backoff: Former Deputy Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
- Jason Backoff: Actor, known for his roles in the films The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Bluestown.
- Charlie Backoff: Lead vocalist of the folk punk band The Alarmists.
- John Backoff: Founder and former CEO of JetBlue.
- Colleen Backoff: American jazz vocalist.
- Lillian Backoff: American lawyer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
- Barry Backoff: Retired NFL football player for the Minnesota Vikings.
- Michael Backoff: American author and playwright best known for his novel, My Dog, the Thief.
- Sean Backoff: Singer/songwriter best known for his solo project, “Backoff”.