Surname Siffert - Meaning and Origin
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Siffert: What does the surname Siffert mean?
The surname Siffert is of German origin, and its meaning is mostly interpretational, often connected to professions or personal characteristics. It is believed to have derived from the Middle High German word "sifer," which means "sober" or "simple." Therefore, it might have been a nickname for a serious or modest person. Alternatively, it could also have originated from another Middle High German word "sive," meaning sieve. In that case, it could have been a professional surname for someone who crafted or sold sieves. Variations of this surname include Sieffert, Siebert, and Sivert. However, like many surnames, over centuries and migrations, the direct meaning can become somewhat obscured. Therefore, while the Siffert surname carries these potential interpretations, it might also have other historical or regional significance that aren't straightforwardly linked to these meanings.
Order DNA origin analysisSiffert: Where does the name Siffert come from?
The last name Siffert is most commonly seen in Switzerland, especially in the western part of the country. The highest concentration of people with this last name can be found in the canton of Valais, although smaller pockets of people with this last name can be found throughout the country.
Since the Siffert name originates from the Swiss-German language, it is also commonly seen in Austria and Germany. For example, the city of Schwäbisch Hall, with a population of 35,000 people, has around 200 people who share this last name. In neighboring Austria, the last name Siffert is most commonly seen around the cities of Klagenfurt and Vienna.
People with the Siffert last name are also present in the United States; most of these individuals have origins in Switzerland and Austria. According to statistics, there are approximately 1,400 people with the Siffert last name currently living in the United States. Within the US, the majority of people with this last name live in California, followed by New York, Illinois, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
Overall, the Siffert name is most commonly seen in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the United States. The population with the Siffert name is quite small, but due to the many waves of immigration from these countries, the name is becoming increasingly common in other areas of the world.
Variations of the surname Siffert
The surname Siffert has multiple variants and spellings which all have the same origin. These include Sifert, Siferts, Seiffert, Seifert, Seiferts, Zeiffert, Zeifert, Zeiferts, Zifert, Ziferts, Zipfert, Zipferts, and Zypfert.
The German origin of the name is believed to come from the Middle High German word 'zifere' which means sword-bearer or sword-smith, and it is likely the surname is an occupational name given to those who worked as swordsmiths or metalworkers. The name can also have a Jewish origin deriving from the Hebrew male-given name of the same spelling and in that case, the surname would mean 'gift of God'.
The variants listed appear in multiple spellings depending on the language in which the name was written and can vary in different countries. This is why it is important to review all possible spellings and variants of a surname to confirm its exact origin and meaning.
The surname was historically found mostly in Bavaria, North Germany, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today it is mainly found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and France, where many emigrated to in the 19th century and early 20th century.
In sum, the surname Siffert has multiple spellings and variants but all originates from the same roots. They include Sifert, Seiffert, Zeiffert, Zifert, Zipfert, and Zypfert, and the surname is believed to have either an occupational meaning relating to sword-making or metalworking, or a Jewish origin meaning 'gift of God'. The surname is today found mostly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and France due to emigration from Germany and the Austro-Hungarian empire.
Famous people with the name Siffert
- Jo Siffert: Swiss automobile racer known for being the first Formula One driver to be killed in a racing accident, in 1971.
- Jodie Siffert: Swiss art director who works in international advertising.
- Eric Siffert: French rally driver who competed in various national and international rally events in the 1990s.
- M.T. Siffert: Canadian novelist best known for his post-apocalyptic fiction.
- Elvis Presley Siffert: Brazilian songwriter and singer-songwriter.
- Fritz Siffert: Swiss middle-distance runner who competed in three Olympic Games.
- Patrick Siffert: Swiss racing driver who competed in Formula One.
- Ernest Siffert: Swiss-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Ramon Siffert: Brazilian songwriter, guitarist, and percussionist.
- Jacques Siffert: Swiss Formula One driver who won two races in his career.