Surname Köntopf - Meaning and Origin

Köntopf: What does the surname Köntopf mean?

The German surname Köntopf is derived from the personal name Conrad, which can be anglicized as Conte or Konte. It is formed by combining the pre-7th century German word 'Kon' meaning 'bold' or 'firm', and 'tof', denoting an enclosure. The name is believed to have been a baptismal name bestowed on a child born of a brave or determined father, or at least one who wished his little one to grow up to become equally steadfast.

The name Köntopf is also an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word 'condop', originally referencing a steward or mayor of a town. The name was then awarded to someone who worked in such a position, such as a civic official or administrator. This form of the name was most commonly used in south-east Germany, such as Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria.

It is likely that Köntopf is an altered spelling of the original name, as these devices were used as early as the thirteenth century. This form of the name was most popular for anyone who was related to an office or deed of this kind.

Occasionally the surname Köntopf has also been used as an ornamental surname, as a nickname for someone who took a liking to the objects the name referred to.

In addition to its varied origins, the surname Köntopf is also unique visually, as it contains the German letter 'ö' (pronounced "oe").

Köntopf: Where does the name Köntopf come from?

The last name Köntopf is most commonly found today in Germany. It is a German surname which is derived from a type of cooking pot, meaning 'large pot'. It originated in the Middle Ages when the pot was used for bulk cooking and as such the name is believed to date back to the early 15th century when this type of pot was first used.

Köntopf is primarily found in Germany's southwest, including Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria, regions where German dialects are spoken. The surname is also popular in Austria, Hungary, Croatia and the Netherlands.

Köntopf is considered to be a rare and distinctive surname. A quick search of the 1920 Hamburg Census of Germany shows only 18 entries. In the United States, there were 38 people listed in the 2019 US Census as having the name Köntopf.

The name Köntopf is rarely used as a first name, but it is occasionally used as a middle name. It is also sometimes used in the combination of surnames, such as Köntopf-Schneider or Köntopf-Weiss.

Variations of the surname Köntopf

Köntopf is a Germanic surname that has variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. Common variants of the surname are Koenntopf, Koenntophe, Konntopf, Kontopf, Konntophe, and Kontophe. It is also sometimes spelled as Köntorge, Köntorf, Kontor, and Kontorf, though the original spelling of the surname is Köntopf.

Variants of the surname include Kontopp, Knontopf, Konntopp, Alzheimer, and Althamer, which are all derived from the name. Alternatively, variations in spelling of the name can be found in orthographies like Köntopp, Köntoppf, Kubeltopf, and Küntopff.

Other surnames that have the same origin as Köntopf are Kautopf, Kopptopf, Koepke, Kautopp, Keutopf, Köpfel, Köppel, Köppner, Kautzsche, Köthe, and Köbel.

The origin of the name is believed to be derived from the Flemish spelling of the name von der Conte, meaning "of the count". As such, the surname could be linked to a number of locations named Conte throughout Germany, such as Contern and Contwig.

Overall, the surname Köntopf is an old Germanic name of several variants and spellings, as well as other surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Köntopf

• Christian Köntopf: A German photographer and filmmaker who has produced videos and documentaries for a variety of companies, organizations, and other media outlets including Discovery Channel, Red Bull Media House, and more.
• Eric Köntopf: A German tech entrepreneur and investor with a focus on start-up companies in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.
• Stefan Köntopf: A German financier who advises venture capital firms in the technology, media, and telecoms industries.
• Marina Köntopf: A German fashion designer whose ready-to-wear line, Mito, focuses on the modern woman and focuses heavily on the use of color, texture, and pattern.
• Christian Köntopf: A German free diving champion who won gold medals in multiple categories in the FINA World Championships.
• Pawel Köntopf: A German professional cyclist who competed in multiple stages of the Tour de France.
• Julia Köntopf: A German actress who has appeared in several television shows, films, and theater productions.
• Walter Köntopf: A German rally driver who competed in the World Rally Championship and is now an executive at Volkswagen.
• Jakob Köntopf: A German squash champion who won the Under-17 European championship several times.
• Helena Köntopf: A German media personality and TV host who currently hosts her own show on German television.

Other surnames

KöntopKöntopp