Surname Dolffen - Meaning and Origin

Dolffen: What does the surname Dolffen mean?

The last name Dolffen is of German origin and is a variation of the German surname Dölffen. The name likely originated as an occupational surname, derived from the word "Doffen," meaning a person who works or sells doves. The name could also have been derived from another German name beginning with "Doff," such as Döfker.

The name Dolffen has variable spellings, including Dolff, Dolph, Doeff and Doifen. Throughout its history, the name has been very closely associated to the Rhineland-Palatinate area of Germany. Dolffen could also refer to someone who lived near a large body of water, as it is derived from the old German word "delps," meaning a large body of water. Despite the many possible origins, the meaning and origin of the name remains uncertain.

The Dolffen surname is quite rare, but it does have some notable families living in Germany today who bear the name. There are also a few families in the United States that have adopted the name. In general, the surname signifies someone with German heritage. It could also indicate someone who has a strong connection with the Rhineland-Palatinate area or a large body of water. Overall, the name Dolffen refers to an individual with a unique German ancestry and an interesting history.

Dolffen: Where does the name Dolffen come from?

The last name Dolffen is a rare surname that can currently be found primarily in the Netherlands, hiding primarily in the Dutch provinces of Flevoland, North Holland, and Gelderland. It is also found in more minor amounts throughout most of the Netherlands, and even beyond, with some users of the surname residing in Germany, Belgium, and the United States.

The name Dolffen is known to be of Dutch origin and first came into existence in the Middle Ages. During this time, surnames began to develop as people needed a way to distinguish themselves from others in the community. Dolffen is believed to be derived from the Old Dutch words “dollen” and “dollf”, with “dollf” meaning “to make by pulling,” which describes the way cloth was woven during this time period. It is likely the family who originally took on this last name was connected to the weaving business.

Today, many members of the Dolffen family continue to reside in the Netherlands, where they can still be found living in the same provinces the surname migrated to centuries ago. Those carrying the surname today likely descend from the same individuals who adopted the name during the Middle Ages, or more recently, from those who adopted it due to marrying into a Dolffen family.

Variations of the surname Dolffen

The surname Dolffen has a number of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The following are some of the most common:

Dolfen – this is the more common spelling of the surname Dolffen and is mostly found amongst Dutch-speaking communities. It is derived from a Dutch topographic name meaning ‘place of wolves’.

Dolfin – this spelling is also found amongst Dutch-speaking communities and has the same meaning as the previous spelling.

Dolfens – this spelling is found amongst Dutch-speaking communities and has the same meaning as above.

Dolffen – this is the original spelling of the surname Dolffen and is still used in some areas.

Dolff – this spelling is also used in some areas and has the same meaning as the other variations.

Dolffs – this variation is mostly found amongst Dutch-speaking communities and has the same meaning as the other variations.

Dolf – this is a variation that is mostly used in the Netherlands.

Dolfe – this spelling is found in Germany and has the same meaning as the other variations.

Dolffers – this spelling is also found in Germany and has the same meaning as the others.

Dolffersmann – this spelling is also found in Germany and has the same meaning as the others.

Dolffing – this spelling is found in the Netherlands and has the same meaning as the other variations.

Duffen – this spelling is found in Scotland and is derived from the Gaelic ‘Dubhain’, which means a black or dark-colored stream or river.

Duffin – this variation is found in Scotland and has the same meaning as the previous spelling.

Dufen – this spelling is also found in Scotland and has the same meaning as above.

Doffen – this variation is found in England and is derived from the Old English personal name ‘Duffe’, meaning ‘dark-haired man’.

Doffin – this spelling is found in England and has the same meaning as the previous spelling.

Doffenbach – this spelling is found in Germany and is derived from Middle High German ‘doffen’, meaning ‘clever’ or ‘good at fraud’.

Dopheide – this variation is found in Germany and is likely derived from a Middle High German personal name ‘Dophei’, meaning ‘clever’ or ‘capable’.

Famous people with the name Dolffen

• Norah Dolffen: Actress and model from the UK
• David Dolffen: British actor
• Sigrid Dolffen: Norwegian musician and composer
• Lukas Dolffen: Actor and voice artist from Germany
• Jos Dolffen: Dutch artist
• Henry Dolffen: English poet and writer
• Sarah Dolffen: English photographer and multidisciplinary artist
• John Dolffen: English composer
• Calvin Dolffen: Australian writer and journalist
• Amanda Dolffen: Australian singer-songwriter

Other surnames

Dolff