Surname Keifer - Meaning and Origin
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Keifer: What does the surname Keifer mean?
The last name Keifer is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word ‘kuofære’, meaning ‘trader’ or ‘merchant’. This occupational surname was often given to individuals who were known for their profession, in this case, someone who was a merchant or a trader. Like many surnames, it was likely used to easily identify individuals, especially in larger communities where several people might share the same first name. Over time, these names were passed down through generations, becoming family names. It's also worth noting that the spelling of surnames often changed over centuries due to changes in language and migration, so alternate spellings of Keifer could include Kiefer, Kufer, Kuefer, and others.
Order DNA origin analysisKeifer: Where does the name Keifer come from?
The surname Keifer is of German origin. It comes from an occupational name for a beekeeper or a nickname for an industrious person, derived from the Middle High German term "keifer", meaning "jaws" or "cheeks," or the German word, "kuefer," which means "cooper" (barrel maker). It may also come from the Middle High German word "kiefer" indicating a type of pine tree, attributing to a profession or location associated with pine trees.
As with many Germanic surnames, this name spread to different areas in the world due to immigration and other socio-political factors. Today, the last name Kiefer is found in the United States, Germany, and many other countries across the world. However, relative to its population, it is more common in the United States, especially in the Midwest region, according to the distribution map of the Kiefer surname. It's important to note that there can be several variations to the spelling, including Keifer, Kieffer, and others, each possibly having their unique distributions.
Variations of the surname Keifer
The surname Keifer has multiple variants, spellings, and is related to several other surnames due to regional and cultural differences. Some of these include: Kiefer, Kifer, Kufer, Kaifer, Keefer, Keyfer, and Kieffer.
The origins of the name are German, and it is related to the German surname "Kiefer", which means "pine" or "jaw," and was often used as an occupational or physical attribute nickname. This name is not only found in Germany but also in Alsace-Lorraine and Switzerland where German dialects are spoken.
The variance in spelling over time and across regions reflects the phonetic transcription of the name into different languages and dialects. However, all versions retain a phonetic likeness to the original name.
Notably, the variations of this surname are recognized in the context of immigration to English-speaking countries. For instance, when German immigrants moved to countries like the United States, names were often anglicized or simplified for easier pronunciation and integration, thus leading to versions such as Keefer or Keifer.
Famous people with the name Keifer
- Donald Sutherland: Canadian actor best known for films such as The Hunger Games series, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and The Frozen Ground.
- Ashton Kutcher: American actor, model, and producer best known for films such as No Strings Attached, Dude, Where’s My Car?, and That 70s Show.
- Shawnee Smith: Actress who has appeared in films such as The Blob, alongside Don Sutherland, Saw, and tv series such as Becker and Two And A Half Men.
- Evelyn Keyes: American actress who appeared in the classic 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz.
- Rusty Keifer: Musician and vocalist active since the 1980s and known for being a member of the band Big Brother and the Holding Company, alongside Janis Joplin.
- Adam Keifer: Retired MLB pitcher and winner of 2000 World Series with New York Yankees.
- Joe Keifer: Wisconsin State Assemblyman (1917-1919).
- Herman Keifer: Former U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania.
- Pamela Keifer: Former U.S. Representative from Maryland.
- James Keifer: Medal of Honor recipient from the American Civil War.