Surname Dettloff - Meaning and Origin

Dettloff: What does the surname Dettloff mean?

The last name Dettloff is of German origin. It is believed to be derived from the German word “dettlauf”, which translates to “running deer”. This likely originates from the Middle High German word “detel”. As a result, it is believed that the name Dettloff was initially used as a nickname for someone who was “as swift as a deer”.

Additionally, the name is sometimes considered to be derived from the words “Detto” and “hoff”, which make up the personal and place names “Detto-Hoff”. Combining these two words yields the meaning of “Detto's estate”, and would indicate that the original use of the name Dettloff was attached to a certain estate, possibly as an ancestral family name.

Today, the name Dettloff is common not only in Germany, but also in various other countries, such as USA, Canada, England, and South Africa. It is a highly recognizable last name in many parts of the world, and based on its meaning and origin, it is highly likely that the name serves as a reminder of the importance of swiftness and agility.

Dettloff: Where does the name Dettloff come from?

The last name Dettloff is most commonly found in Germany today. Although the exact origins of the name are unknown, it is believed to be derived from a place name, possibly relating to a village or town. The name is especially common in the north-central region of Germany, where it may have originated.

The states of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have the highest concentrations of Dettloffs. The name has also been found in small numbers in the provinces of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.

Today the name is also found in North America, especially in Canada and the United States. According to the database of the US Census, the name Dettloff is most common of all in Wisconsin, however the surname can be found throughout the United States in stastes such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, and Alaska.

Outside of Germany and North America, Dettloff can also be found in countries such as Australia, France, and Argentina.

No matter where the name is found today, many of those bearing the name are proud to trace their origins back to German roots.

Variations of the surname Dettloff

The surname Dettloff has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The main variants of the surname are Dettlof, Datloff, Dattloff, Dittloff, Detloff, Dutloff and Detlauf. The German spelling often changes between ‘tt’ and ‘tl’, while the American spelling is usually ‘ttloff’ or ‘tlloff’.

Other related surnames include Dettlaff, Detlaff, Datlaff, Dittlaff, Dutlaff, Dedloff, Dettelaff, Dettelhoff and Dedlauf.

The surname likely originated in Northern Germany, and dates back to at least the 15th century. The name is derived from Old High German, with ‘Dettl’ meaning ‘a bag’ and ‘hoff’ meaning ‘enclosure’. Therefore, the surname means ‘enclosure, or person from the bag enclosure’.

The variants of the surnames are found all around the world, as many people were emigrating from Germany during the 19th and 20th centuries. The surname is particularly common in the United States, with the largest concentration of people with the surname found in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In North America, the spelling ‘Datloff’ is more common, while in Germany the spelling ‘Dettloff’ is more common.

Variations of the last name have likely also been influenced by dialects over the years. For example, in some parts of Germany, the name is pronounced as ‘Dettlaov’. Spelling variations also exist, meaning the same family may have different surnames. For example, a family with the name Dettloff may also have the surname Dettelhoff.

Famous people with the name Dettloff

• Alex Dettloff, professional golfer
• Angelina Dettloff, Russian-born American artist
• Bob Dettloff, professional boxer and leading into broadcasting career
• Brad Dettloff, former American basketball player
• Briana Dettloff, American professional ice hockey player
• Danielle Dettloff, pro sprint car driver
• Donald Dettloff, former United States Army engineer
• Doug Dettloff, American baseball player
• Gail Dettloff, American actress
• Glen Dettloff, semi-professional Canadian football player
• Heather Dettloff, professional beach volleyball player
• Jacob Dettloff, American artist specializing in painting
• Jacqueline Dettloff, Emmy award-winning journalist
• John Charles Dettloff, American football player
• Keith Dettloff, former American basketball coach
• Kristin Dettloff, former American figure skater
• Marianna Dettloff, former Miss Michigan USA
• Michael Dettloff, visual effects artist
• Nicolas Dettloff, French skier
• Paul Dettloff, former world-cup alpine skier
• Richard Dettloff, former American football player
• Robert Dettloff, former American football defensive lineman
• Roger Dettloff, former American football safety
• Russ Dettloff, former American football player
• Scott Dettloff, former professional Canadian football player
• Stephanie Dettloff, American visual artist
• Steve Dettloff, former American football defensive back
• Terri Dettloff, former American diver
• Tim Dettloff, former American football guard
• Todd Dettloff, former American football quarterback

Other surnames

Dettlof