Surname Schlehofer - Meaning and Origin
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Schlehofer: What does the surname Schlehofer mean?
The surname Schlehofer is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word "slfer," which means one who makes skis or sledge runners. It is believed to have originated in the Rhineland region of Germany and is a occupational surname likely referring to a professional skier or a ski maker.
Pronounced SHLAY-hofer, many variations of the surname exist, including Schleiffer, Schliefer, Schliifer, Schlieffer, Schleifer, Schleiffer and many others. The surname is also found in various forms in many European countries including Austria, Switzerland, France, Scandinavia and the Czech Republic.
In German records, the Schlehofer surname is found as far back as the late 1200s. During this time the Schlehofer family was recorded as being living in the small village of Oberdingen, near the city of Esslingen. During the next 300 years, they subsequently moved to various locations throughout Germany.
The Schlehofer surname provides a unique glimpse into the history of worker's rights in Germany and the family follows a proud history of ski makers and workers. The Schlehofer surname is still found throughout Europe today and provides a reminder of the hard work and dedication of past generations.
Order DNA origin analysisSchlehofer: Where does the name Schlehofer come from?
The last name Schlehofer is primarily based in Germany and Austria, where it is still quite common today. In the 17th century, the name was used as a distinguishing name amongst lower-class families living in Germany and Iceland.
In Germany, the name generally indicated pastoral origin and suggests that those with the name had familial ties to shepherds. It is believed that the name evolved from Schlöh, an old German word for “shepherd”. In modern German, Schlehofer is generally pronounced ‘Shlay-hofer’.
In the 21st century, the name is still quite common in Germany and Austria, and to a lesser degree in other parts of Europe. Within Germany, the name is most common in the southern and western regions, which is likely a result of migration trends between Bavaria and Franken during the Middle Ages.
In the United States, the name Schlehofer is also found in significant numbers. It is most commonly seen in states that are home to German-American populations, such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. In the US, the surname Schlehofer is often spelled variants, such as Schliefer, Schleifer, or Schleiffer.
Overall, the last name Schlehofer is still quite common in Germany and Austria, as well as in German-American communities in the United States. It is believed that the name originated as a distinguishing name amongst lower-class families in Germany and Iceland during the 17th century.
Variations of the surname Schlehofer
The surname Schlehofer is of German origin, and is derived from Schliefer or Schliefhuber, both former occupational names. It is most commonly spelt Schlehofer, but can also be seen as Slehofer, Schleihofer, Schliefer, Schleihofer, Schleyhofer, Schleifer, Schleifer and Schliefhuber.
Variants of the surname Schlehofer are mostly found in Germany, along with Austria and Czechia as well. In the United States, the surname is found mainly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Minnesota, and is also found in Suriname, South America, where it was adopted by more recent immigrants from Germany.
The meaning of the surname Schlehofer is “shingler,” derived from the word schleifen, meaning “to cleave.” It is thought to refer to someone who worked as a roofer or tilemaker.
Although Schlehofer is the primary spelling, variations can also include the following: Shehofer, Schloefa, Sleehofer, Schlëhofer, Schloefa, and Schleifer. Other surnames, that are related to the spelling or origin of Schlehofer, include the following: Schleifhusar, Schleiffer, Schlipper, Schleeper, Schleiba, Schliefer, Schleif and Schleiser.
Famous people with the name Schlehofer
- Eric Schlehofer: an American triathlete who has several wins in the sport.
- Reinhard Schlehofer: a former German lieutenant colonel and a World War II war criminal.
- Blaze Schlehofer: an American artist whose works explore the subconscious.
- Rich Schlehofer: an American baseball player who played professionally for several teams from 1978 to 1987.
- Gabe Schlehofer: an Australian musician who plays lead guitar for the rock band Halci.
- Rona Schlehofer: an American professional wrestler known for her time in the WWF.
- Wolfgang Schlehofer: a German soccer player who played as a goaltender.
- Richard Schlehofer: an American race car driver who competed in NASCAR and the IndyCar Series.
- Alexander Schlehofer: sculptor and professor of fine arts who is known for his large-scale sculptures in public and private spaces.
- Stephan Schlehofer: a former Austrian football midfielder who played for several top-tier clubs in Europe.