Surname Keffer - Meaning and Origin
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Keffer: What does the surname Keffer mean?
The surname Keffer is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German term "kever," meaning 'beetle.' This suggests that the original bearers of the name could have been given this nickname possibly due to a physical attribute or characteristic that reminded others of a beetle. In some cases, it might also be an occupational name for someone who dealt with beetles in some capacity, such as a pest exterminator. However, the exact origin varies among families bearing this surname. It is also a common name among those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The variations of the surname Keffer include Kefer, Kaefer, Käfer, and others. The distribution of the Keffer surname is predominantly found in the United States, Germany, Canada, and France.
Order DNA origin analysisKeffer: Where does the name Keffer come from?
The surname Keffer is derived from the Germanic personal name "Gebhard," which is composed of the elements "geb," meaning "gift," and "hard," meaning "brave" or "strong." It is an anglicized version of the original German name "Käfer" which means "beetle." The conversion to "Keffer" likely occurred when German immigrants moved to English-speaking countries and modified their names to better fit into the new society.
Today, the last name Keffer is most common in the United States, particularly in areas with a high concentration of individuals of German descent. It can be found throughout the country, but it is more prevalent in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia where many German immigrants settled in the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite its origin, the name is relatively rare in Germany today. Overall, Keffer is not a particularly common surname, making those who bear it part of a relatively select group.
Variations of the surname Keffer
The surname Keffer has several variations and similar surnames that may be of the same origin. Variants may include Kiefer, Kifer, Kaifer, Kyfer, and Kuefer. These variations are likely due to regional differences and shifts in pronunciation and spelling over the centuries.
This surname is of German origin and it means "pine tree" or "barrel maker". In German, the word for pine is "Kiefer". Thus, the surname could have been initially given to someone who lived near a prominent pine tree, or it was a trade name for a person who made barrels or tubs. Kiefer is the most common variation of this surname.
A few other surnames that might be related to Keffer due to their shared meaning or history include Cooper (also meaning barrel maker in English), Fassbender (German for "barrel binder"), and Pino or Pina (meaning pine tree in Spanish and Italian).
Please note that surname origins and meanings can differ and have changed over time. It is always best to do an individual ancestry search to truly understand the history and origins of a surname.
Famous people with the name Keffer
- Roger Keffer: A former professional American football wide receiver who had a five-year career, playing for the Baltimore Colts (1987-1991).
- Kenneth Keffer: A veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Korean War in the 1950s.
- John H Keffer: US Army officer who fought in the American Civil War.
- Glenn Keffer: A former American NBA basketball player who played for the New York Knicks from 1962 to 1964.
- Robert Keffer: A former professional golfer on the PGA Tour between 1957 and 1978.
- Tom Keffer: A professional businessman who has more than forty years of experience working in the telecommunications and information technology industries.
- Bruce Keffer: A former Canadian professional wrestler who competed in the World Wrestling Federation from 1983 to 1985.
- William Keffer: A British actor known for his appearance in the film 'Law and Order', as well as television shows 'Emmerdale' and 'Bad Girls'.
- Arthur Keffer: A renowned American journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Delta Democrat Times (DDT) from 1996 to 2003.
- Brian Keffer: An American singer and songwriter, best known for his work as the lead vocalist of rock band, Sparta.