Surname Doerffer - Meaning and Origin
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Doerffer: What does the surname Doerffer mean?
The last name Doerffer is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word "dörfer," meaning "small village." The name likely began as a locational surname, given to a person who had originally come from a village. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, but Doerffer remains one of the most common derived forms.
The Doerffer surname is most commonly found within the region of Bavaria in Germany, where its historical roots can be traced to the 14th and 15th centuries. During this time, surname adoptions were gaining popularity and the Doerffer family were likely among the first to adopt this name. Other variants of the Doerffer surname include Dörffer, Dörffer-Fiedler, Dorffmeister and Dorffman.
The Doerffer name is renowned for its association with successful professionals. Among the most notable bearers of the Doerffer name have been German composer Georg Doerffer, politician August Doerffer and painter Heinrich Doerffer, among others.
Today, the Doerffer surname is still strongly rooted in the Bavarian region, however its usage as a surname is seen in other countries and regions as well. It remains a proud symbol of an ancient German heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisDoerffer: Where does the name Doerffer come from?
The last name Doerffer is not common in any one specific place in the world today. Its spelling variations, such as Doerfler and Doorfler, exist in many different countries around the world, with notable concentrations in Germany, the United States, Argentina, and Brazil.
The Doerffer last name can be traced back to 16th-century Germany, where the earliest known record of the family is from 1583 in the town of Seebrucke in Appelhof am Main. This area in Germany is still the most common region where the surname is found today. Most people with this last name in the area descended from either Martin Doerfer or one of his sons, who lived in Seebrucke in 1583.
In the United States, the last name Doerffer can be found in a handful of states, such as Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Texas. This is likely due to immigration from Germany starting in the early 19th century. It is believed that many German immigrants chose to use a simplified spelling of their last names, resulting in different spellings such as Doorfler.
The last name Doerffer can also be found throughout Argentina and Brazil, where it is likely the result of immigration from Germany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The last name is found comparably less frequently in other parts of the world, such as Scandinavia, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Though the exact origins of the Doerffer last name is still undetermined, its spread throughout the world indicates it was likely adopted by multiple generations as families moved to different parts of the globe. Today, the last name is scattered throughout Germany, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and other countries.
Variations of the surname Doerffer
The surname Doerffer has several common variations and spellings, including: Doerfer, Doerfler, Doerffler, Dörffer, Dörfler, Dörffler, and Dörffling. These are all related surnames, and are likely derived from the same root name.
The name Doerfer likely comes from the Old German word “dorn”, meaning “nail”. It likely originated in Germany, and was usually given to someone who was a nail maker or had a job that involved nails in some way. The surname Dörffler, on the other hand, likely comes from the Middle High German “dorbul”, meaning “reside” or “dwell”. This likely refers to someone who had a house, or lived in a village.
The origin of the Doerffer surname is likely Germanic, and may have originated in one of the Germanic countries, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, or the Netherlands. Due to its long history, it is probable that this surname is used by many people of varied ethnic backgrounds, including Dutch, German, Swiss, Austrian, and others. There may be other variations of the surname, however, these are the most well-known and commonly used.
Overall, all these variants of the Doerffer surname have a common origin, are related, and are likely derived from either the Old German word “dorn” or the Middle High German “dorbul”. The surname likely originated in Germany, and is now widely used by people of varied backgrounds and locations.
Famous people with the name Doerffer
- Andrine Doerffer: a Norwegian-born photojournalist and documentary photographer based in Switzerland.
- Ronald Doerffer: a German inventor and mathematician.
- Jill Doerffer: an American lawyer and public policy professional.
- Piotr Doerffer: a Polish professional footballer.
- Max Doerffer: a German screenwriter, producer, and actor.
- Rainer Doerffer: a German cinematographer and director.
- Verena Doerffer: a German figure skater and coach.
- Viivi Doerffer: a German intercultural scientist and educator.
- Rose Doerffer: an American artist and ceramic sculptor.
- Bodo Doerffer: a German motion picture writer, director, and producer.