Surname Doerfner - Meaning and Origin
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Doerfner: What does the surname Doerfner mean?
The last name Doerfner is a German surname, derived from the Middle High German word 'dorfner'. This word means 'one who lives in a field' or 'field sustainer', which alludes to the agricultural roots of this surname. It is believed to be of occupational origin, since most of those bearing this name were either farmers or residents who lived off of the land.
The use of the ‘-er’ suffix implies that this surname was assumed by an individual living in the area or region given the name of the land they lived on. This would suggest a fairly recent origin as far as names go, being confined primarily to the 1500s and 1600s.
Though some may have Germanic roots, not all who bear the name seem to have German ancestry. Those bearing the name can be traced to numerous countries over the centuries, from the United States to Russia.
The Doerfner surname has been present in many places throughout the world over the years, though the majority of those bearing it can be found in the modern United States. Some famous bearers of the name include Mario Doerfner, an Austrian-American composer, and Priska Doerfner, a Swiss-German sculptor.
Order DNA origin analysisDoerfner: Where does the name Doerfner come from?
The last name Doerfner is predominantly found throughout the German-speaking countries of Central Europe, particularly Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is especially popular in the Southwest region of Germany, in the states of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria. The name Doerfner is often spelled variantly as Dreifner, Doerffer, Dörfner, or Dörffer and is an occupational name, denoting a person who lives or works in a village or other small settlement.
The surname Doerfner is also found in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere due to immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was likely adopted by German immigrants with the name during their journeys. According to the 2020 US Census, the last name Doerfner ranked at 77,933 out of 88,799 reported surnames. In comparison, the name is much more common in Germany where it was recorded in the 2011 census of Baden-Wurttemberg as the 2,197th most common name.
Doerfner has been attributed to royals in Europe, particularly in the 15th century, and is a name found in historic records connecting it to prestigious figures from history. More recently, there have been notable members of the name, such as Gertrud Doerfner, who was the president of the German Women’s Movement, and Henry Doerfner, an American politician.
Variations of the surname Doerfner
The Doerfner family name is of German origin and is derived from the personal name Theodore or Theodoric. Variations of this family name include Doerfner, Dörfner, Doerflinger, Doerflinger, Thörfler, Dorfler, Dorffler, Thoerfler, Theurfler, and Derflinger.
The Doerfner surname is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries, including Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It can be spelled in many ways, such as when written in either American or German versions. The American spelling is typically seen as "Doerfner," while the German is usually seen as "Dörfner." This name may also appear as "Dorfner" in some cases.
Those who bear the Doerfner surname are believed to descend from the medieval Germanic personal name Theodoric, which derived from the Greek Theōdoros meaning "gift of God". This name was popular among the Franks and Franks of the Germanic race.
The Doerfner surname is related to many other Germanic surnames, such as Dorfmeister, Thöring, Theorin, Theuring, and Theurich. Variations of these names are more widely found in northern Germany.
The Doerfner surname is associated with the metalworking industry, as many members of the family have practiced this trade. Metal-working crafts such as blacksmithing, jewelry-making, farriery and tool-making were introduced to the Doerfner family during the Middle Ages and have been associated with the surname since then.
Today, the Doerfner family name can be found all around the world, with members of the family living in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and other countries.
Famous people with the name Doerfner
- Hilary Doerfner: Hilary Doerfner is a journalist, Emmy Award-winning documentary producer and executive producer. She has produced feature stories for CBS News and Netflix, and has been the stand-out executive producer for such award-winning films as The Truman Show, Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
- Brock Doerfner: Brock Doerfner is an NCAA Division I coach and former professional basketball player. He has served as head coach at several institutions, most recently as an assistant coach at Duquesne University.
- Wallace Doerfner: Wallace Doerfner is an American sculptor and designer. He has been credited with sparking the Art Deco revival of the late 1970s and early 1980s, creating a tangible link between earlier generations of European artisans and the present-day commitment to creative expression.
- Robert Doerfner: Robert Doerfner is an American chef and restaurateur. He was the executive chef of the acclaimed Rosewood Manor restaurant in Denver, Colorado for many years before opening his own catering business.
- Sal Doerfner: Sal Doerfner is a professional carpenter and woodworker. He has created numerous custom pieces of furniture, sculpture, interiors, and kitchen designs, and is the owner of a successful carpentry company in New York.
- David Doerfner: David Doerfner is a writer and filmmaker from Los Angeles. He is best known for his award-winning films such as Being John Malkovich, Spiderman and The Truman Show.
- James Doerfner: James Doerfner is a successful businessman and stockbroker from Houston, Texas. He is a partner at a major Wall Street firm.
- Dr. Eric Doerfner: Dr. Eric Doerfner is a medical researcher and Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has dedicated much of his career to the study of cardiovascular disease, and his work has been instrumental in advancing the field.
- Harry Doerfner: Harry Doerfner is an American painter. He has held numerous one-man shows in the United States and abroad. He is best known for his iconic landscapes.