Surname Stapf - Meaning and Origin

Stapf: What does the surname Stapf mean?

Stapf is a surname of German origin. It does not have a specific meaning in modern English or German, as many surnames were derived from a variety of sources such as occupations, locations, nicknames, or patronyms (names derived from a father's name) in the Middle Ages. For instance, a person could be named after their occupation (like "Smith" for a blacksmith), or location (like "Hill" for someone who lived near a hill). However, in German, "Stapf" is similar to the word "stapfen," which means to trudge or tramp, although it is uncertain if the surname has any relation to this word. The distribution of the Stapf surname is highest in Germany, particularly in the southern regions such as Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Therefore, it can be pointed out that this last name is prevalent in areas associated to the historical region of the Holy Roman Empire.

Stapf: Where does the name Stapf come from?

The last name Stapf is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, and Swiss German-speaking areas in Europe, as well as parts of the United States, Canada, and South America.

In Germany and Austria, Stapf is a fairly common surname in some regions. There are currently over 5,000 Stapfs living in Austria, and it is more popular in the west and south of the country. Similarly, it is relatively widespread in Germany, with most of its concentration in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate. The distribution closely follows the historical borders of the German Empire.

In the United States, Stapf is also widespread across different states. It is most common in Pennsylvania, but it can also be found in New York, Illinois, and California. Canada is home to a few hundred Stapfs as well, mainly in Ontario and Quebec.

In South America, Stapf is only found in Brazil, which has the most Stapf families outside of Europe. The vast majority of these Stapfs are concentrated in the southern and southeastern regions of the country, most notably in the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo.

The surname Stapf can also be found in other countries around the world, but its prevalence is significantly lower than in Europe or the New World.

Variations of the surname Stapf

The surname Stapf is of German origin. It is derived from the ancient Germanic personal name 'Stapho', meaning staff, tag or pole, and is thought to have originated from a family who owned a staff or emblem of authority. There are several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Stapf, including Stape, Staph, Staab, Staah, Stapell, Stapfer, Stapp, Stappen, Stappfer, Stappf, Stappenbach, Stepp, Stepf, Stepff, Stepffe, Stepffer and Steppe.

The spelling of Stapf is most common in Germany and Austria, whereas other variants such as Stapp and Staab are more commonly found in the United States. In the UK, variant spellings such as Stape and Stepf are more common. The surname is also found in other parts of Europe, such as Hungary, where it is spelled as Stápf.

In terms of surnames of similar origin, there are many German surnames derived from the same personal name, such as Stöpf, Stopf, Stopff and Stopffe. Other surnames of similar origin include Stapleton, Stepple, Staub and Staubes. Surnames of similar origin can often be found across Europe, the Americas and other parts of the world.

Famous people with the name Stapf

• Albert Stapf: German botanist and plant collector.
• Frank Stapf: German archaeologist.
• Guido Stapf: German politician and deputy leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
• Karl Stapf: German organist, composer, and teacher.
• Martin Stapf: Austrian jurist and political theorist.
• Manuella Stapf: German acress and screenwriter.
• Carl Stapf Oskar Friedrich: German writer and publicist.
• Schalk Wilhelm Stapf: German Protestant theologian.
• Siegfried Stapf: German art historian and archaeologist.
• Severin Stapf: German Roman Catholic priest and Bible scholar.
• Thomas Stapf: German legal scholar who wrote extensively on Roman law and Roman history.
• Uwe Stapf: German writer and historian.
• Robert Stapf: Austrian-American film producer and distributor.
• Henning Stapf: German film director and screenwriter.
• James Stapf: American industrial designer.
• Gary Stapf: American public relations executive.
• Harry Stapf: American operatic baritone.
• Will Stapf: American baseball player.
• John Stapf: American business executive.

Other surnames

StapStapatStapelStapelerStapelfeldStapelfeldtStapelmannStapeltonStaphansonStaphensonStapiltonStapleStaplerStaplesStapletonStappStappatStapputStapylton

Comments or additions to the name "Stapf"

05.06.2024
My father told me it came from the 1300's, and the first Stapf was given the name by King Frederick Barbarosa, because he served the king as a guide through the Alps.