Surname Opgenhoff - Meaning and Origin
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Opgenhoff: What does the surname Opgenhoff mean?
The surname Opgenhoff is of German origin and likely began as a habitational name, derived from a place name. Habitational names are derived from a place of residence or origin. It is likely that this particular surname originated in a place called Opgenhoff or Oppenhoff. This could be a hamlet or village in Germany or the Netherlands.
The meaning of the last name Opgenhoff itself is not known, however the etymological origin of the name is likely the German words “Opf”, meaning “solicitous”, and “Hof”, meaning “court”. If this is the case, the literal translation of the name could be taken to mean “careful court”, or someone who is well-attended at court.
Given the history of the surname and its etymological origin, those who bare the last name Opgenhoff can take pride in their German heritage. It is a unique and well-defined surname that dates back centuries. It is likely that – wherever the name originated – it was held in high regard by courtiers of that time.
Order DNA origin analysisOpgenhoff: Where does the name Opgenhoff come from?
The last name Opgenhoff is highly associated with Germany and German speaking countries in Europe, where it is most commonly found today. It is most often seen in the northwestern part of the country, around cities such as Hamburg, Bremen, and Oldenburg. It is a rare name in other countries, but it can be found sporadically in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The last name Opgenhoff is a very old name. It dates back to at least the 13th century, when it was a relatively common surname in the regions of present-day Germany. According to historical records, the name spread across Europe with German immigrants and settlers.
In terms of its etymology, the last name Opgenhoff has an illusive origin. Scholars have suggested that it is derived from either "Apenhagen" (meaning “acorn marketplace”) or the Old High German word "opho" (meaning “hawk”). Regardless of its origin, the last name is still strongly associated with Germany today.
Variations of the surname Opgenhoff
The surname Opgenhoff is an original German surname. There are several different spellings and surnames of the same origin, including Oppenheim, Opgenhaff, Oppenhagen and Oppengheim.
The earliest mention of the surname comes from the middle of the 14th century when an Adam Oppenheim was recorded in the town of Lippstadt in Westphalia. The name likely derives from the German word ‘oppen’, which means springs and ‘heim’, which means home.
The variations Oppenheim, Opgenhaff and Oppenhagen come from different regions of present-day Germany. Oppenheim originated in the town of Mainz in the southwest of the country, while Opgenhaff is a regional variation of the name, likely a corrupted form of Oppenheim, and Oppenhagen comes from the small town of Oppenhagen in the north of Germany.
The surname Oppengheim is a variation of Oppenheim used in the southwestern districts of the Rhineland-Palatinate. This spelling likely developed when Oppenheim was written phonetically and evolved further as the surname was passed down the generations.
Whether you are an Oppenheim, Opgenhaff, Oppenhagen or Oppengheim, all these different spellings and surnames of the same origin trace back to one common ancestor: Adam Oppenheim who lived in the middle of the 14th century in the small town of Lippstadt in Westphalia.
Famous people with the name Opgenhoff
- Jürgen Opgenhaffen: German film and TV actor
- Debra Opgenhoff: American actress and TV host
- Matthias Opgenhoff: German hockey player
- Hartmut Opgenhoff: German business executive
- Ruth Opgenhoff: German political activist
- Karl Opgenhoff: German diplomat
- Philippe Opgenhoff: Belgian architect
- Jonas Opgenhoff: German football player
- Myriam Opgenhoff: Swiss art collector
- Eric Opgenhoff: Dutch professional ice hockey player