Surname Burghof - Meaning and Origin
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Burghof: What does the surname Burghof mean?
The last name Burghof is of German origin and derived from the Middle High German word burc (meaning “fortification” or “dwelling”). It was a common place name in the Middle Ages as it referred to a fortified hilltop or castle. As a surname, it was originally given to someone who came from such locations. It could also be used for a person who was a burgher or a free citizen of a fortified town.
The Burghof surname is prevalent throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with the highest frequency in the western part of Germany, particularly in the Rhineland region. In Germany, the Burghof surname is second only to Müller (Miller) in terms of popularity.
The intentions and motivations of people who bore the Burghof surname are unknown. Some were likely noblemen who owned the fortified settlements; whereas others were probably commoners. Some of the earliest known bearers of the Burghof surname are Hermann Burghof, who was recorded in 1592, and Georg Christoff Burghof, who was recorded in 1749.
Today, people who bear the Burghof surname are primarily found in the West German regions. They are generally proud of their heritage and pleased to be a part of an ancestral tradition. The Burghof surname has endured through centuries of history, and it is likely to remain a part of Germanic culture for many more years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisBurghof: Where does the name Burghof come from?
The last name Burghof is derived from a place name and is most common today in southwestern Germany. It is most prevalent in the state of Baden-Württemberg with a strong concentration in the area around the city of Stuttgart. A further large concentration is found in the area of the city of Munich in the state of Bavaria. Outside of Germany, the name is found primarily in France, and the United States is also home to a significant number of people with this surname.
Burghof is an anglicized spelling of the German name Burkhof, and it is a locational surname derived from the Old German burg ‘fortified place’ and hof ‘farm’. It was likely originally derived from a dwelling place near a fortress or castle. As such, it is typically an ancestral name of someone who was from the particular estate, or who was employed there.
Recorded in many spelling forms, the name is documented for over 800 years throughout European church registers and in public recordings. Examples include Christoffel von Burkhoff of Scheuburgh in 1498, and Johann Burghoff of Tiegenhof, in 1574, whilst Jan Adam Burchof was recorded in Akersloot, Netherlands in 1572, and Anna Ockenburgh in Amsterdam in 1597.
The Burghof name is still held in southwest Germany, and is distributed around the world, most likely indicating the movement of those with this name away from its ancestral home.
Variations of the surname Burghof
Burghof is a German surname which originated from "Burghaof" meaning a fortification wall. The spelling of the surname ranges from Burgof, Burghoff and Burghoffe to Burguof.
The variants and alternate spellings of the surname "Burghof" originate primarily from Germany and Hungary. There are regional and dialectical differences between German and Hungarian, which have resulted in these different forms of the surname. Generally, as the surname traveled to different parts of Europe, it adapted to the local language. For instance, in Hungary it took the form of Burchof or Burchoff.
In the United States, the surname has taken the forms of Burghoeff, Burgoff, Burgoff, Burghoff, and Burguoff. In the UK, the name is spelled Burgoff, Berlinburgh and Birmingham. Similarly, in the Netherlands the surname is usually Burgoff or Burgwof or Berghoff. Polish variants of the name include Burghoff or Burghow.
The Burghof surname is also changed due to marriage. For example, if a Burghof woman married a Smith, her name would be Smith-Burgoff. Other variations of the name include Borghoff, Beurghof, Burgowsky, Bourghoef, and Burgovic. In Australia, the surname has taken the form of Bureoff, Bergof, Beughoff, Birgoff, and Burough. In Canada, it usually is Buroff, Burgow, Boghoff, Buroff, and Birgoff.
In conclusion, the surname of Burghof has many variants and alternate spellings as it adapted to different European countries and overseas.
Famous people with the name Burghof
- Mario Burghof: a German actor, director, screenwriter, and producer.
- Gene Burghof: an American football coach.
- Roger Burghof: a Swiss former competitive figure skater.
- Barbara Burghof: a German opera singer.
- Adam Burghof: a German volleyball player.
- Thomas Burghof: a German singer.
- John W. Burghof: an American artist.
- Tobias Burghof: a German actor and composer.
- Joe Burghof: an American baseball player.
- Roger Burghof: a Swiss former figure skating coach.