Surname Hotfilder - Meaning and Origin
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Hotfilder: What does the surname Hotfilder mean?
The last name Hotfilder is a German-language family name, originating in the southwestern region of the German-speaking area. The primary root of the name appears to be focalized on a geographical origin derived from "Hof" or "Hofe," meaning a farm or homestead. This is further derived from a Middle High German term "hove," meaning a court or manor.
The second part of the surname, "-filder," is thought to originate from Middle High German "vilt," which referred to a wide, open area. The two components often linked to describe the area around a homestead or a larger court. Thus, taken as a whole, the name Hotfilder roughly translates to a household, estate, or enclosed area located in a wide open space.
Though the name is dated as far back as the 16th century, the first use of Hotfilder as a surname can be traced back to the 1700s in Germany. The name can now be found in many places, both in the original country of origin in Germany and elsewhere throughout the world. Hotfilder is also represented in the US through those who have emigrated from Europe, primarily in areas such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In any case, the name Hotfilder indicates strength and stability. Throughout history, this family name has represented a family residing near a wide-open plain, surrounded by an estate or homestead. This origin has imbued the name with an exemplar of fortitude, resilience, and an unyielding spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisHotfilder: Where does the name Hotfilder come from?
Hotfilder is a surname that is most commonly found within the United States and Canada, specifically along the Atlantic Coast and in the Midwest. It is most strongly represented in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan. It can also be found in other states, such as New York, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, Hotfilder is a common surname in German-American communities, with people bearing the name mostly living in areas with traditionally German-speaking populations.
Though the spelling of the surname may vary, the pronunciation remains the same. In some cases, it has been Americanized to "Hotfiller." Other spellings include Hautfilder, Haffielder, Hofielder, and Hoffener.
It is likely that the surname Hotfilder descended from the Germanic upper-class name "Hubet," and began to become used as a surname when less common, descriptive surnames started to be adopted in the 16th century. Variations of the name were created as the family moved across streams, diseases, political frontiers, and religious boundaries. In some regions, the name was altered to the local language, such as in parts of France where it became "Lefielder."
The Hotfilder name was becoming increasingly common through immigration and natural population growth up until World War I when many people decided to change their surname to something less obviously German. As a result, Hotfilder began to decline in popularity around this time.
Today, many Hotfilders have retained their surname, living in the United States and Canada. Those with the surname can be found in larger cities and towns with a strong German heritage and even some with distinct family histories still in place in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The commonality of Hotfilder is decreasing, yet, it can still be found as a last name in many parts of the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Hotfilder
Hotfilder is a German-origin surname, originating from the Middle Ages and is derived from the words "hot" (meaning bold, energetic) and “filder” (meadow/field). It is traditionally found as one of the common German compound surnames. It is also found as a surname in England, and is often spelled as Hofholder, Hoffteldt, Hauptfeld, Hotfielder, Hautfielder, Hauptfelder, and Hotfeldt.
The dispersion of the Hotfilder surname is primarily found throughout Germany in the Baden, Württemberg, and Bavaria regions. There are also Hotfilder families located in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Variations of the Hotfilder surname include hyphenated surnames such as Hot-Fielder. Other spellings include Hotfield, Hotfelds, Hoffield, Hofleldt, Houtfelt, Hotfeld, and Hotfelt. Americanized and anglicized spellings of Hotfilder include Hoffield, Holdtelder, and Hofield.
Surnames of similar origin to Hotfilder include Holdtelder, Hauptfeld, and Hofielder. These names have slight variations in spelling, but all mean meadow/field, the origin of Hotfilder. Variations are often associated with the European region in which an ancestor initially lived.
The Hotfilder surname is a common German name of the Middle Ages that is still found in Europe and North America today. Variants of the name, as well as other meadow/field surnames, are also seen throughout Europe and North America.
Famous people with the name Hotfilder
- Bill Hotfilder: American film director, producer and screenwriter known for his work on films such as 'Fatal Attraction' (1987), 'The Game' (1997) and 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' (1999).
- Dirk Hotfilder: American film and television actor, producer, director, and writer; he has starred in such films as 'For Richer or Poorer' (1997), 'Meet The Parents' (2000) and 'Ocean's Eleven' (2001).
- Jon Hotfilder: British actor who has appeared in several films and television shows, including 'The Transporter' (2002) and 'Glee' (2009–11).
- Adam Hotfilder: American film and television director, best known for his work on 'The West Wing' (1999–2005).
- Edward Hotfilder: British actor, writer and producer who starred in the 'Harry Potter' films (2001–11).
- Andy Hotfilder: American actor, director, and producer, with roles in films such as 'The Exorcist III' (1990), 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' (2002) and 'Hellboy' (2004).
- Pat Hotfilder: Canadian television and film actor, known for his roles in 'Mysterious Island' (1961) and 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' (2002).
- Christian Hotfilder: German actor, best known for his starring role in the film 'The Last Samurai' (2003).
- Don Hotfilder: American film director, writer and producer, known for his work on films such as 'Swordfish' (2001), 'Minority Report' (2002) and 'X-Men: The Last Stand' (2006).