Surname Steioff - Meaning and Origin

Steioff: What does the surname Steioff mean?

The last name Steioff is thought to be derived from the name Stephanus, which is the Latin form of the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown". As a name, Steioff has a long history of being used throughout Europe, with the surname found as far back as the 13th century in Germany and more recently in France.

The surname is thought to be associated with a royal lineage as Stephanus is often used to name members of European royal families. The meaning of the name has since evolved to symbolize power, leadership, and ambition.

At the same time, it has been used to celebrate the legacy of ancient figures, notably early Christian saints, as well as lesser known military heroes. It can also refer to a coveted position in the church. This is further evidenced in some parts of Spain, where the surname Stephanus is used in reference to apothecary figures, or healers.

Regardless of the origin, the last name Steioff is associated with a sense of strength, power, and determination. The family or individual bearing the name carries with it a certain level of esteem and respect in any culture or society. It is a well-known and respected name among many, whether in literature, history, or popular culture.

Steioff: Where does the name Steioff come from?

The last name Steioff is most commonly found in south-western Germany, particularly Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemburg, and Rhineland-Palatinate. The name is derived from Middle High German ‘Stiefvater’, meaning ‘stepfather’. Records from medieval times show the name Steioff being used mostly in southwest Germany. The earliest known recorded individual with this name was a 16th-century preacher in Augsburg, Germany.

Today, there are many people with the Steioff surname in Germany, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas. The name is also found in Austria, Switzerland, the United States, and Canada. In the United States, the Steioff name is common mostly in the northern and western states, especially Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. In Canada, the name is predominant in southern Ontario.

The Steioff name is not unique; variations of the name include Stifoff, Steiffe, Steiff, Steiph, Stief, Steff, and Steipher, among others. While records of the Steioff name can be found in the 18th-century, the earliest known dated usage of the name is from a document in 1615 in Augsburg, Germany. In recent years, the Steioff name has been more widespread and can now be found in many countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Steioff

The surname Steioff, or variants thereof, is of Germanic origin and was originally spelled "Steuoff". Though often spelled variously, alternative spellings of the surname primarily include “Stiauff”, “Stiauw”, “Stiauf”, “Stiaufe”, “Stiorf", and “Stiaove”. Additionally, patronymic surnames associated with Steioff include Steuoffson, Stiaufson, Stiauwson, Stiaufsson, Stiorfson, and Stiaoveson. Surnames of similar origin include Stioof, Stioef, Stoof, Steof, Steov, Steofe, and Steffe.

An additional variant spelling of Steioff is Stejof, from which the surnames Stejofson, Stejofmann, and Stejofs are derived. Other surnames associated with the spelling Stejof include Stejofe and Stejoff.

Certain spellings such as Stioof and Steof would likely have arisen from the recorder’s difficulty in accurately deciphering the surname as it was spoken aloud. Speakers of the name would likely have had a local dialect, explaining the various spellings that emerge in records.

Though Steioff is a Germanic surname, the name is found in records from multiple countries. In Scotland, for example, there are references to Steiff as early as the 12th century. Records indicate that the Steioff surname may have once belonged to a group of people living in and around Saarbrücken in what is present-day Germany. Additionally, the surname is common in the former Dutch colonies in South Africa, where it is known as Steivof. Records also show that the surname spread to the United States in the 19th century, with families using the spelling Steuoff.

Overall, the surname Steioff, or its variants, is most commonly encountered in English-speaking countries. It is derived from the Germanic root “Stief”, and is primarily found in records from Scotland, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States.

Famous people with the name Steioff

• Brianna Steioff: American athlete and television personality from Orlando, Florida.
• Jonathan Steioff: American paleontologist and author.
• Karl Steioff: German opera and operetta composer.
• Kelly Steioff: Vice President of the 2017 National Yearbook Company.
• Leonard Steioff: Retired Major League Baseball player.
• Mark Steioff: Co-founder and CEO of the social media marketing company Grin.
• Mary Ann Steioff: American professional tennis player.
• Rachel Steioff: Actress who appeared in the film Garden State.
• Robert T. Steioff: American journalist and former newspaper editor.
• Sarah Steioff: All-American college soccer player from Jesus University.
• Tyler Steioff: Professional baseball player in the Seattle Mariners organization.
• Vincent Steioff: Italian alpine skier who was the first and only Italian athlete to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
• William Steioff: Former CEO of the Dow Jones Corporation.

Other surnames

Steiof