Surname Doerfer - Meaning and Origin
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Doerfer: What does the surname Doerfer mean?
The last name Doerfer is of German and Dutch origin. It is derived from the German word 'dorfer', meaning 'villagers'. The addition of the prefix 'Do' denotes a person who is a 'doer', meaning someone who is energetic and active.
Throughout the centuries, people with this name may have embraced the significance of their surname, striving to prove themselves energetic and eager to take responsibility for whatever task is assigned them. During the 17th and 18th centuries, many people with this surname emigrated from Germany and the Netherlands to countries such as Poland, Slovakia, and Romania where the surname has since become quite common. It is also widespread in Switzerland, most likely due to the fact that many people with this surname emigrated to the country in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The last name Doerfer is usually associated with an industrious and lively person, which makes it quite fitting. The surname is shared by many notable individuals in the fields of politics, business, and science. For example, Franz Doerfer was an Austrian lawyer and statesman who served as a finance minister in the early 20th century, while Harald Doerfer was a German theoretical physicist who developed an early ultraviolet astronomy camera in 1967.
It is clear that the last name Doerfer is significant to many people today. It carries an empowering message of being an active participant in one's own success and a reminder to live life with tenacity.
Order DNA origin analysisDoerfer: Where does the name Doerfer come from?
The last name Doerfer is predominantly found in Germany, where it's estimated that around 8,000 people carry the name, and the United States, where the name is most commonly found in the Midwest.
In Germany, the Doerfer family has a long history, with records dating back to the 1600s. The Doerfer family has roots in some of the oldest cities and towns in Germany, including Mainz, Trier, and Koblenz.
In the United States, the Doerfer family immigrated from Germany in the late 1800s, primarily to Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio. They brought with them their trade, farming, and religious practices.
The Doerfer family is now primarily found across the Midwestern states of the United States, with large concentrations in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa. Illinois, Minnesota and Indiana also have sizeable populations.
Over the years, the Doerfers have become well established in these states and are known for their strong work ethic and family values. Within the United States, many Doerfers have become esteemed members of their communities, excelling in areas such as business, education, religion, and the military.
While the Doerfer family is less common today than it used to be, the name still resonates with many, and is found throughout the United States and Germany.
Variations of the surname Doerfer
The Doerfer surname has been recorded in many forms throughout history, including Dorfer, Dörfer, Deorfer, Dohrfer, Dörffer, Duerfer, Dörffer, and Dohrer. The most common modern spellings, however, are Doerfer and Dörfer.
The origin of the Doerfer surname is most likely German or Austrian, with "Dörfer" or "Dohrfer" meaning "villager" in German. The surname could have originally been used to refer to someone who lived in a village, and over time, the spelling has evolved into Doerfer.
The Doerfer surname can be found in records dating back to the 15th century, and variants can be found in records from the area's early settlement by German immigrants. These immigrants likely came from areas such as Bavaria, Southern Saxony, and the Black Forest.
The most common variations of Doerfer today are Dohrfer, Doerfer, Dorfer, and Dörfer. The Doerfer spelling is common among English-speaking descendants. They are also found as Dohrfer and Doerfer in the United States and other English-speaking countries. In some regions of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, the surname is still spelled Dörfer, however.
The Doerfer surname is still found in modern times and is a common name in both German-speaking and English-speaking parts of the world. In the United States, it is most commonly found in states such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The Doerfer family can trace its roots back hundreds of years in Europe, with an early-recorded member, Paulus Dorffers, born in Bavaria, 1525.
Famous people with the name Doerfer
- Jim Doerfer: American college basketball coach.
- Dave Doerfer: American football player and coach.
- Klaus Doerfer: German linguist and Turkologist.
- Tony Doerfer: American football coach.
- Charles Doerfer: German mathematician and computer scientist.
- Frank Doerfer: American data scientist and author.
- Paul Doerfer: Architect and urban planner.
- Bruce Doerfer: American biochemist and pharmacologist.
- Bill Doerfer: American chess master.
- Hans Doerfer: German educator and author.