Surname Hofherr - Meaning and Origin
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Hofherr: What does the surname Hofherr mean?
The last name Hofherr is of German origin and is derived from the Old German elements "hof", which means "court", and "hehr," which means "noble." This suggests that the original bearers of the Hofherr surname were likely residents of high social standing in a judicial setting. Additionally, the Hofherr name was likely initially borne by those in positions of authority such as local barons, judges, landowners, or other influential members of society.
Another potential origin of the surname is derived from the Middle Low German word "hofer" which means "dweller by the court." This indicates that the family may have lived near a court or government building. Additionally, the name may have originated from numerous places in Europe, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Hungary, and more.
The Hofherr surname is still common today and remains linked with the heritage and culture of its German origin. Over the centuries, this surname has seen numerous spelling variations, as with many other German surnames, due to regional dialects and differences in language. Today, individuals with this surname are found all over the world, including in the United States, Canada, Australia, and various other countries. The Hofherr surname stands for a strong and proud heritage of nobility, grace, and distinction.
Order DNA origin analysisHofherr: Where does the name Hofherr come from?
The surname Hofherr is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the south. The highest concentrations of the surname are in the Rheinland-Pfalz region of Southwest Germany, as well as in the country’s major cities. The family name is likely of medieval German origin, deriving from the old German elements hoof, meaning “man” and heri, meaning “army”. The name was likely adopted by the members of a family line who were knights or noblemen in the military.
It is also likely that the Hofherr family had a presence in Austria and Switzerland in medieval times. These two countries border Germany on the east and south sides, respectively, and families with strong military ties were likely to have been present in all three nations. Today, the surname Hofherr is less commonly found in these countries; however, it is still present in areas with other German-speaking populations.
Overall, Hofherr is a relatively uncommon last name, but it can still be found in Germany and in other countries with German-speaking communities.
Variations of the surname Hofherr
The surname Hofherr is of German origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the Middle High German given name of ‘Hof(e)r’ meaning ‘a steward of an estate’ or ‘an army officer’. The variant spellings of the name include Hofer, Hoffer, Hoffar, Hofferr, Hoffert, Hoffherr, Hofeer, Hoffear, Hofer, and Hopkins.
Hofer is the earliest recorded variant spelling for Hofherr and is the most common form of the name. This variant can be found in many different parts of Germany and can also be found throughout the United States in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
The spelling of Hafherr can also be found. This variant spelling is mostly seen in the United States with large populations being found in Pennsylvania.
Hoffer is another variant of the name which is an East German version of the original meaning of the name. This variant of the name is mostly found in the United States with large populations being found in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan.
Other variants of the name include Hoffar, Hofferr, Hoffert, Hoffherr, Hofeer, and Hoffear. These variant spellings are mostly found in Germany and Austria but can also be found throughout the United States in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
The surname Hofherr is also seen spelled as Hofman and Hoffmann. Both of these spellings are very similar and are also of German origin. These variants can be found primarily in Germany but are also used in the United States.
The name is mostly seen with the anglicized spelling of Hopkins. This variant is mostly seen in the countries of Ireland and England with mainly the Irish families bearing the Hopkins name.
Famous people with the name Hofherr
- Sacha Hofherr: Best known for his work as an actor and voiceover artist
- Lars Hofherr: A professional tennis player who was ranked in the top 100 in Germany for several years
- Ruth Hofherr: A Swiss-born artist whose works of art have been exhibited around the world
- Johann Christian Hofherr: An Austrian sculptor and miniaturist from the 19th century
- Matthew Hofherr: A US-based venture investor who has invested in notable companies like Reddit
- Luther Hofherr: An artist and printmaker from the early 20th century most known for his etchings
- Kornelius Hofherr: A German-Austrian painter from the 18th century
- Alexander Hofherr: A German schuhplattler dancer, teacher and choreographer
- Barney Hofherr: A Swiss-born entrepreneur and technology executive
- Adele Hofherr: A Swiss-born graphic designer who has exhibited internationally