Surname Hoffner - Meaning and Origin
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Hoffner: What does the surname Hoffner mean?
The last name Hoffner is of German and Jewish origin and is derived from a nickname meaning "shield bearer" or "one who carries a shield." It is sometimes spelled Hofner, Haufner, Hauffen, or Hauffner.
The Grimm Brothers' Dictionary of German Names states that Hoffner is a dialectal variant of the surname Hofmann, a habitational name derived from any of the several places named Hofmann or Höfmann in Germany.
The specific origin of the name Hoffner is unclear, but it is thought to have been used as a nickname by someone who bore a shield as part of their military or personal service, or as an identifier. It might also have referred to someone who lived in a house located in the guard or guardhouse (Hof) of a town or castle.
The earliest recorded spelling of the family name is that of Otto Hoffner, which appeared in the records of Bamberg, Bavaria, in 1290. He was a witness to a document that gave permission for building a hospital in the town. The name has since been used by many people who were not related by blood, and it became more widespread with the dawn of the printing press in the 16th century.
The Hoffner surname continues to be used throughout Germany, as well as in Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. It is a reminder of a proud, ancient tradition behind a strong-sounding name.
Order DNA origin analysisHoffner: Where does the name Hoffner come from?
The last name Hoffner is most commonly found today in Germany. It is one of the most popular surnames in several German states, especially in Northern Germany. It is also fairly common in Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and Denmark.
The surname is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "hovan," meaning "precious stone," or an occupational name adopted by a person who was involved in the stone cutting industry. Many people who adopted the last name Hoffner were connected to the gem cutting profession due to their strong links to stone quarries, or defensive structures or stone fortresses.
Hoffner is also found in many other countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, among others.
In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. The first recorded instance of the Hoffner last name in America dates back to the late 17th century, when a man named Jacob Hoffner was recorded in Pennsylvania.
Variations of the surname Hoffner
The surname Hoffner is a locational surname derived from the geographical area of Germany. It is also found as a variant of the name Hoffmann, and is common in eastern Germany and parts of Scandinavia. Spellings of this surname include Hoffner, Hoffner, Hoffnerd, Hofner, Honner, and Hoffman.
In Germany, the name Hoffner is derived from the Middle High German word "Hoffen," which means estate or territory. In Eastern Germany and the surrounding areas, the suffix "er," which is derived from a Middle Low German word meaning resident or dweller, is often added to the original name Hoffen.
Variant spellings of the name Hoffner with spellings such as Hofner and Honner occur mainly in Eastern Germany and Scandinavia. Other variants include Hofner, Honner, and Hohnen. Hofner is found mainly in Germany, but also in Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary.
The name Hoffner was once a relatively common name in Germany and Scandinavia, but is now less widespread. It is still seen across many parts of Europe, including in France, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In many cases, people who possess the surname Hoffner may have adopted the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin such as Hofner and Honner as a result of marriage, immigration, or other changes in their family history.
Famous people with the name Hoffner
- Maite Hoffner: Artist and sculptor.
- Stephen Hoffner: American musician and film composer.
- August Hoffner: German-American Officer and Medal of Honor Recipient in the U.S. Navy.
- Andrew Hoffner: Former NFL quarterback, currently serves as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
- William Hoffner: American attorney and criminal defense attorney, based in Los Angeles, California.
- Tony Hoffner: American race car driver and television personality.
- Jason Hoffner: Professional snowboarder.
- Paul Hoffner: German film actor and director.
- Erich Hoffner: German physicist, specializing in thermodynamics and combustion.
- Tracy Hoffner: American animator and film director.