Surname Petershöfer - Meaning and Origin
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Petershöfer: What does the surname Petershöfer mean?
The last name Petershöfer is a German surname that was likely derived from the name Peter. The suffix "höfer" is derived from the German word meaning "farmer". The implication is that the original individual who bore the last name Petershöfer was a "son of Peter", or a farmer.
Historically, individuals with the Petershöfer surname likely resided in the German-speaking region, primarily Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The exact origin of the name may not be known, but it is likely that it was borne by individuals in these regions at least as far back as the early medieval period.
The Petershöfer surname has even been preserved through the generations, appearing in some records of the 15th century. During this period, the name was referenced frequently in land and tax records, which indicates that it was likely associated with a profession such as farming, just as the etymology suggests.
Today, the Petershöfer surname is still widespread in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, although its prevalence is much lower elsewhere. The Petershöfer name is a part of German history and culture and still lives on in modern times in the form of a surname.
Order DNA origin analysisPetershöfer: Where does the name Petershöfer come from?
The surname Petershöfer is most common in Germany, particularly in the state of Bavaria. The name is also common in Austria, although not as widespread there as in Germany. Petershöfer is a toponymic surname derived from a placename where the original bearer of the name lived. It is derived from a combination of two German words, 'Peters' and 'Höfer', which together mean 'Peter's farmland' or 'Peter's homestead'.
The name Petershöfer is still relatively common in Germany today, with over 2600 people with the surname living there based on recent census data. It is most widespread in the states of Bavaria, Thuringia and North Rhine-Westphalia. A more dispersed group of Petershöfers is found in Baden-Wurttemberg and Lower Saxony. In Austria, where the surname is less common, it is most prevalent in the states of Vienna and Lower Austria.
The Petershöfer name is also occasionally found in other European countries, primarily in Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It may even have originally been a Dutch name, as the 'lover' suffix is more common in Dutch names.
Overall, the surname Petershöfer is most common in Germany and Austria today, although small numbers of Petershöfers can be found across Europe.
Variations of the surname Petershöfer
The surname Petershöfer originated in Germany and Austria and is known to come from the German word "Petershöfer" which means "a keeper of pigs". It is most commonly found in southern Germany and Austria.
Variants of the surname Petershöfer include Pettershofer, Pettershöfer, Pietershöfer, Pettershoefer, Pettershofen, Pettershofer, Pettershoven, and Peddershofer. The spellings of this surname can also vary, with some examples being Petershofer, Petershofen, Pettershofen, Petershoven, Pietershofen, and Pietershoven.
In Germany, the surname also has other surnames that are related to it, including Petri, Petersmann, and Petrz. In Austria, related surnames include Pettersun, and Petters. These related surnames are generally derived from a common ancestor.
In some cases, the surname Petershöfer is found outside of Germany and Austria. Examples of some countries where this surname is found in include the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The surname Petershöfer is an old German word, originally used in reference to someone who kept pigs, however, today, the surname has come to become an official surname, used by many people worldwide.
Famous people with the name Petershöfer
- Marco Petershöfer: German professional football goalkeeper.
- Mathias Petershöfer: German basketball player.
- Martin Petershöfer: German politician, deputy chairman of the Christian Democratic Union from August to December 2019.
- Jürgen Petershöfer: German cyclist, participant in the Olympic Games in 2012.
- Henning Petershöfer: German footballer, currently plays for FC Chemnitz.
- Sven Petershöfer: German chess player, trainer, and chess journalist.
- Johannes Petershöfer: German footballer, participated in the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League.
- Charlotte Petershöfer: German judoka, competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Anja Petershöfer: German journalist and television presenter.
- Mark Petershöfer: American former professional ice hockey player.
- Karsten Petershöfer: German former professional ice hockey player.
- Holger Petershöfer: German philosopher and professor of philosophy at the University of Hagen.