Surname Höferl - Meaning and Origin
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Höferl: What does the surname Höferl mean?
The last name Höferl is an occupational surname of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German word Höfe, meaning a "guardian of the court." As such, the surname describes a person who was employed as a legal guardian or bailiff in given court, as well as those who were in charge of court operations and accounts. In the Middle Ages, the surname bearer tended to the royal court and served as a broker between high-ranking public officials and civil servants.
In modern times, the name Höferl is still relatively common in Germany, particularly in the areas of Bavaria and Austria. Those who bear the last name Höferl have typically worked in fields related to the law, including attorneys, judges, clerks, and civil servants. Alternatively, some bearers of the name may have engaged in occupations related to land ownership or management, such as a landlord.
Given its Germanic roots, the name Höferl is a fairly noble one and has been in use since at least the 12th century. It continues to be popular in Germany even today and has spread to many other locations throughout the world, suggesting an impressive heritage. For those who bear the last name Höferl, it is a sign of their family’s historic connection to the law and their loyalty to their local communities.
Order DNA origin analysisHöferl: Where does the name Höferl come from?
The last name Höferl is a German last name, and is most commonly found in southern Germany today. This area is home to the states of Bavaria, which is where most occurrences of the name are found, and Baden-Württemberg. In Europe itself, the name also appears in small groups in eastern and northern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The name Höferl has been in existence in these countries since the early 18th century. There are records of a certain Hendric Höfferle, an 18th-century clockmaker, who lived and worked in Munich, Bavaria. In the 19th century, records state that the name Höferl was mainly associated with farmers and craftsmen.
The name could also have Hungarian origins, as there is evidence of Höferls from villages in the country who have been living in Germany for many generations.
Recent estimates indicate that there are around 1,000 people with the last name Höferl living in Germany today. There are some who are living in other countries in Europe, but the majority of them are likely in Germany. Some Höferls have migrated to other continents, including North America and Australia.
The name Höferl is not particularly common in Germany today, but still has a notable presence in several regions of the country. With its close ties to Germany, Austria, and Hungary, the name is also likely to remain connected to these countries in the coming years.
Variations of the surname Höferl
The surname Höferl is an occupational name, derived from Middle High German hoffeler or hoveler, which means an official holder, collector or merchant of goods. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Hofferl, Hoferl, Hoffeler, Hoffeller, Haefler, Houffeler, Hoefler, Houffler, Hofler, Haverl and Hoveler.
Hofferl is the most common spelling, particularly in Austria and Germany, while other forms of the surname, such as Hoffeller and Haefler, are more common in other European countries.
Hofferl is also an Etymological Derived Surname that is the result of the combination of the two words “Hoff” meaning an officer or official, plus the suffix “er” that denoted a descendent of someone with an occupation. In the Middle Ages, Hofferl referred to one who had some kind of official capacity. Variations of this surname can also refer to an official of the court, an official or a courtier.
Other variations of this surname include Hoffer, Hoffman, Hofmann, Hofman, Hofmann, Hoffmeister, Hoff, Hofeler, Hofel, Hofler and Hofer. The Hofeler variation is derived from the Old German word ‘hof’ which is a reference to an enclosed court or farm. The Hofler variation is derived from the Old German ‘hove’ meaning a farm or outbuilding.
In America, this family name has been Americanized to 'Hoffer' and 'Hofler'. Many have also adopted the spelling Hofler and Hoffman.
Famous people with the name Höferl
- Raimund Höferl (German football midfielder)
- Werner Höferl (German field hockey player)
- Shakira Höferl (actress and makeup artist)
- Rob Höferl (German-American basketball coach)
- Anna Höferl (Austrian alpine ski racer)
- Hermann Höferl (German bandleader and composer)
- Gustav Höferl (first Archbishop of Bamberg)
- Georg Höferl (German World War II pilot)
- Thomas Höferl (professional golf player)
- Josef Höferl (German politician)
- Josef Höferl (German sculptor and painter)
- Alois Höferl (Austrian glass painter and engraver)
- Angéla Höferl (Austrian operatic soprano)
- Ilse Höferl (German singer and actress)
- Johann Höferl (Austrian music educator and composer)
- Eva Höferl (German actress and singer)
- Jakob Höferl (Austrian documentarian and filmmaker)