Surname Dettlof - Meaning and Origin

Dettlof: What does the surname Dettlof mean?

The last name Dettlof is a northern German name which can be translated as "blade of Artemis". It is derived from the Old Norse elements "deyðr", which means "death" and "vôl", meaning "wolf", and the Greek goddess Artemis, suggesting an ancient Pagan origin.

The Dettlof surname is found in early 16th century records of northern Germany, most commonly in the Lower Saxon and Brandenburg regions. It remained in these regions until the late 19th century, when many Dettlofs began to emigrate from Germany to places such as the United States and Canada. Today, the Dettlof surname is still found in these regions as well as in North America.

In general, those with the Dettlof surname tend to share common traits, such as an independent nature, ambition, and a strong sense of family. Dettlofs are often highly skilled people, able to achieve great success in whatever they put their minds to. They have also been known to live in a variety of professions, ranging from medicine to engineering and architecture.

The Dettlof name carries a sense of strength, courage, and determination, and those with the surname often live lives characterized by hard work and dedication. To those with the Dettlof surname, family comes first, and they can be counted on as loyal and dedicated friends.

Dettlof: Where does the name Dettlof come from?

The last name Dettlof is common today primarily in Northern and Central Europe. The name originated in Germany and is derived from the German word "dolff" or "delf" which means "animal fur." It is also believed that the name may have stemmed from the Middle High German word "ttenlof" which means "person responsible for spinning or weaving." The surname is most commonly found in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

In Germany, the last name is most prevalent in the state of Bavaria, particularly around Munich and Nuremberg. It is also common in the northern part of the country, including places such as Berlin, Hesse, and Lower Saxony. Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland also have concentrations of the last name, especially around their major urban areas.

Outside of Europe, the name Dettlof is found in almost all former far-flung territories of the German-speaking people. This includes places such as South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Most of these relatives are connected to German immigrants from the 17th-20th centuries. In the US, the name is most concentrated in the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Dakota.

In conclusion, the last name Dettlof is primarily found in Northern and Central Europe, with the most common countries of origin being Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. It is also found in other countries as a result of German immigration, such as the United States, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Dettlof

Dettlof is an uncommon surname of German origin. It is mostly found in the United States and Canada, though some instances may also be found in Europe. Variations in spelling include Dettlaff, Dettloff, Dettloof, and Dettlopf. The suffix "-lof," "-loof," or "-lopf" of Dettlof suggests a derivation from a nickname, likely derived from an Old German word meaning "wolf" or "fierce."

In terms of surnames of the same origin, Dettlof is a variant of the Germanic surnames Dettlof, Dettlof or Dettloof. In Germany, Dettlof is also sometimes pronounced with a soft “t”, resulting in the variant Dettelof. In North America, some variants of the surname Dettlof can be found such as Dettlaff, as well as less common versions like Dettleson and Dettlesen.

In the United States, some bearers of the surname Dettloff anglicised their name to Dettler or Detlor, while in British Columbia and other parts of Canada, some forms of Dettlof were shortened to Dett. A surname variation unique to Norway is the surnames Detløf, Detloef and Detløff.

The surname Dettlof has connections to many other surnames, such as Dettlaff, Dethold, Dethloff, Dettke, Dettmann, Dette, Detenbach, and Dettlauer. Ultimately, the surnames are derived from several places in Germany with the same root.

Surnames of the same origin are often found throughout German and European cultures, and this can help in researching and uncovering your family history. Each variant of the surname may have originated in a different area, making research even more interesting. With these variants in mind, more information may be uncovered about the origins of the Dettlof surname.

Famous people with the name Dettlof

• Ake Dettlof: Ake Dettlof was a Swedish actor who had an extensive career in film and television. He is perhaps best known for his role as the Swedish ambassador in the movie The Great Escape, and for his portrayal of Sven, a milkshake salesperson in Ronja Robber's Daughter.
• Jon Dettlof: Jon Dettlof is a Swedish producer, director, and writer. He has directed several film and television projects, including the 2012 horror mystery thriller Blood Red Road and the 2006 drama Filmfruen.
• Charles Dettlof: Charles Dettlof is a Swedish composer and conductor best known for his work in film and television. His notable credits include the scores for the films Let the Right One In and Son of Saul, as well as the series Testament of Youth, Vikings, and the comedy-drama series Freaks and Geeks.
• Sophie Dettlof: Sophie Dettlof is a Swedish actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. She is best known for her roles in the Swedish comedy-drama series Borgen and the Swedish horror movie Amerika.
• Daniel Dettlof: Daniel Dettlof is a Swedish film and television actor. He is best known for his roles in the television series Martin Beck and the films Fluiden and Oh, God!
• Anna Dettlof: Anna Dettlof is a Swedish actor who has had a lengthy career in television and film. She is best known for her roles in the film I Klara Sken and the television series Morden i Sandhamn.

Other surnames

DettleffDettlevDettloff