Surname Höfer - Meaning and Origin
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read moreHöfer: What does the surname Höfer mean?
The last name Höfer is a German surname of patronymic origin, originating from the Middle High German word “hofer”, which means “farmer”. The term “höfer” was once used to denote a person of high social rank, usually an aristocrat or noble, who owned land or property and benefited from the labor of his serfs. This term was then transcribed into a surname and is now borne by many people around the world.
The last name Höfer can be found in both its traditional German spelling and its anglicized variant, Hoefer. It is thought to have originated in German speaking areas of Austria, Bavaria, and Prussia, though it has spread to other parts of the world through migration.
The Höfer surname has various meanings that depend on its usage. In some cases, it means “farmer”, as mentioned above, while other times, it is used to signify a family’s wealth or status. In some instances, it can also refer to a person’s occupation, such as someone who works in a field. It can also mean “prosperous” or “wealthy”, signifying that a family has a comfortable lifestyle.
In conclusion, the last name Höfer is a German patronymic surname of aristocratic origins meaning “farmer”. It is found both in its traditional German spelling and in its anglicized variant, Hoefer, and is used to signify various things, such as a family’s wealth or status, or even a person’s occupation.
Order DNA origin analysisHöfer: Where does the name Höfer come from?
The last name Höfer is a relatively common name in parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In Germany, the name is typically found in the eastern region and it is particularly prominent in the Bavarian and Saxon regions.
The name is also found in parts of Austria, especially in the regions of Upper Austria and Styria. Other parts of Austria, such as Lower Austria, Vorarlberg, and Burgenland, have fewer residents with the name Höfer.
The name is also found in Switzerland, specifically in the Swiss canton of Thurgau. Other parts of Switzerland have seen a lesser amount of Höfers.
The Höfer surname is thought to be derived from the old German word "höfisch," meaning "noble court." In ancient times, Höfers were associated with a noble court, although today the surname is somewhat more common among the working class.
Despite its prominent presence in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the name is not found in other parts of Europe. The name is not found in the United Kingdom or Scandinavia, but does appear in America. In the United States, Höfer immigrants primarily settled in the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Variations of the surname Höfer
Höfer (also spelled Hofer, Hoefer, Hoffer, Hoffher, Hoffer, Hofferher, Hoeferer, Hofferer, and Hoferer) is a German surname with potentially old Bavarian roots. Its meaning reflects a person who was a farmer, laborer, or worker of some kind. The surname has been found in records as far back as the 1500s in Germany.
Variants of this name include Haeusler, Heyseler, Heisele, Heiseler, Heisler, and Heysler. These are all forms of the same origin, derived from the Old Bavarian term “Höfer”.
The name Höfer can also be found in some countries as Hofmeister or Hofermeister, which means “head steward” or “steward” in English. This version of the name likely originated with nobles or landed farmers who wanted to distinguish themselves from commoners of the same name.
Variations of this surname can also been found in Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and Hungary. For instance, in Austria and Switzerland it is spelled as Höefer, Hofweber, Hofwecker, Hofmeir, Hoferer, Hofmüller, Hofstetter, and Hoffmann. In Poland, the name may be spelled as Hofman, Hofmann, Hofier, Hoffern, Hofer, and Hoferm. In Hungary, it could take the form of Hofer, Hof, Hofert, Hofercz, Hoefner, and Hoefer.
In the United States, the names Hofer, Hoffer, Hofferber, Hofferman, and Hoferberger can all be found. People with these surnames can be of either German or Austrian descent.
In conclusion, Höfer is a German surname which has many variants, spellings, and surnames all over the world.
Famous people with the name Höfer
- Candida Höfer: German photographer renowned for her large-scale, highly detailed interiors of European libraries, museums, opera houses, and other institutions.
- Michael Höfer: German jazz saxophonist, songwriter, and producer.
- Siegfried Höfer: German sculptor and environmental artist.
- Elena Höfer: German soprano opera singer.
- Thomas Höfer: German film director and visual artist.
- Peter Höfer: German composer and conductor.
- Jaco Höfer: American record producer and engineer.
- Peter A. Höfer: German theologian and historian.
- Felix Höfer: Austrian painter and graphic artist.
- Diego Höfer: Argentine former professional football player.