Surname Loef - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Loef: What does the surname Loef mean?
The surname Loef is of Dutch and German origin, and is derived from the Germanic elements 'lof', meaning praise, and 'rud', meaning renowned. It is thought to have referred to someone who was praised for their skill, knowledge, or reputation, and could be either a given name or a surname.
Loef may have been an occupational name for someone who worked in an official capacity in the court of a Lord or King. It may also have been derived from the Dutch word 'loefhart', meaning 'compassionate', suggesting the original bearer was known for their kindness, generosity, or forgiveness.
In more modern times, it has been used as a given name and a surname. The given name is most common in German speaking regions, but is not unheard of outside of these countries. The surname Loef has been found across a variety of countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, and the United States.
As with many surnames, those bearing the Loef family name are spread throughout the world, creating a scattered, yet tight-knit community of individuals who are all connected by their shared ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisLoef: Where does the name Loef come from?
The last name Loef is most commonly found today in the Netherlands, primarily in the southern and central parts of the country. It is also found in Belgium and Germany. As of 2016, there were over two thousand individuals with this surname residing in the Netherlands, with about two hundred and seventy living in Belgium, and less than two hundred in Germany.
The name Loef is derived from the Old Dutch word lof, which means “praise” or “glory.” The original spelling within Holland was initially Loef or Loefsz, with the “z” indicating ownership or association, and the alternative spelling Lief or Liefsz seen in the southern parts of the Low Countries. Families bearing the name integrated into the cities and farming communities of Flanders, Holland, Belgium, and Germany.
During the 1700s, many members of the Loef family migrated to the United States, primarily settling in New York and Pennsylvania. There are now small populations of the Loef surname in states such as California, Florida, Michigan, and Kentucky.
The coat of arms for the Loef family is described as a shield quartered gold and red, with three points in each of the four quarters, and adorned with a crown. The name Loef is represented by an illustrated hare.
Variations of the surname Loef
There are many different variants, spellings, and surnames that stem from the same origin for the surname Loef.
The most common variant of this name is "Löf" which is most common in Scandinavian languages including Swedish and German. Other variants of the name include "Löv" and "Loef", which are seen in both Scandinavian and German areas. The spelling can also be altered to appear as "Löff" or "Löwe," and has also been seen as "Löwef" in some regions.
The other surname forms of the same origin are "Leuffen," "Löwen," "Löffen," and "Löfen." The variations of "Loef" are also seen in the Dutch, English, and Scottish versions of the surname - "Loeff," "Loe," "Luff," and "Lowe".
The surname Loef can also have other spelling variations such as "Louf," "Laf," and "Loeffman". It is believed that the origins of the surname are derived from Dutch and German words for "lion" or "departed." As the surname gained popularity across Europe, many forms of the name changed and became distinct such as "Lefebvre" in France, "Luppe" in Germany, and "Lourens" in Holland.
Overall, the surname Loef can have many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. With its variations being seen across many different countries, the surname has slightly changed forms throughout the centuries.
Famous people with the name Loef
- Annemarieke Loef: Dutch politician.
- Kaat Loef: Dutch model, influencer, and blogger.
- Robert Loef: Dutch chemist and botanist.
- Willem Loef: Dutch abstract landscape painter.
- Jarbas Loef: Brazillian writer.
- Maria Loef: Dutch researcher.
- Mélanie Loefer: French actor and comedian.
- Loes Loef: Dutch actress.
- Jos Loef: Dutch sculptor.
- Robbert Loef: Dutch musician.