Surname Dorffer - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dorffer: What does the surname Dorffer mean?
The last name Dorffer is of German origin and is believed to have been a locational surname. It is derived from the Old German word 'dorfer' which means settlement or village, and as such, those bearing the surname likely originated from a place known as Dorfer or Dorferkeim. The name Dorffer may have originally applied to someone who hailed from such a place, or may have been derived from the occupation of a warden or keeper of a village.
The Dorffer family may also have been known as lawmen or guards of the villages they were associated with, as another possible alternate origin of the name. It is believed that those bearing the Dorffer surname were likely of the upper classes in ancient medieval German society, as people of noble descent would commonly possess or inherit the responsibility of watching over nearby settlements.
More recently, the Dorffer surname is common in many parts of Germany, and can also be found in other countries, including Austria, Switzerland, France, and the United States. It may have even spread to other countries beyond those mentioned as a result of migration from Germany, or due to populations of descendants settling in different areas.
Order DNA origin analysisDorffer: Where does the name Dorffer come from?
The last name Dorffer is most commonly found in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Historically, it was a name given to people who lived near or owned a doerfer, which was a small German village. The name is also thought to be derived from the German word for 'deer'.
In modern times, the Dorffer name has spread to a variety of different countries, with records showing it in Belgium, France, Canada, the United States, Brazil, and other countries. In Germany, the last name is often associated with Bavaria, the German-speaking area of Switzerland, and Austria. The highest populations are found in the towns of Weilheim and Würzburg in Germany, and in Gossau and Zürich in Switzerland.
In the United States, Dorffer is most prevalent in Pennsylvania, with records showing it in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. In Canada, the last name can be found in Nova Scotia, as well as the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.
Overall, the last name Dorffer has a long history and continues to be used today in many different countries around the world. The name is still connected to its origins of small German villages, a reminder of the past.
Variations of the surname Dorffer
The surname Dorffer has two variants: Dörffer and Dörfler. While the former is the German spelling, the latter is the Austrian version.
The surnames Dorffler and Förster are derived from the same origins as Dorffer. These two spellings are more commonly found in Germany and Austria respectively.
The surname Dörffer is also spelled as Doorfer or Dohrfer. These spellings are more commonly used in North America.
Dorffer is a patronymic name, which originated from the given name “Dorr” or “Dorf” - an old German word for “village”. Thus, the surname Dorffer originated from a person who came from a village or lived in one.
Variant surnames and spellings which share the same origin as Dorffer are Dörfel, Dörfling, Dörffling, Dörfl, Dörflin, Dörfler, Förster, Förstner, de Forrest, Forrest, Forreste, and Försterling.
Some variations in spelling of the surname Dorffer include: Dörffe, Dorf, Dorferer, Dorffer, Dörffinger, Döringer, Dorpinghausen, Försterling, Förstmann, de Forrest, and Forrest.
It is important to note that all of the abovementioned surnames are derived from the same origin and yet they can have a variety of different spellings. This only indicates the changes that underwent in the name due to cultural influences, dialects, and spelling conventions over the years.
Famous people with the name Dorffer
- John Dörffer: actor
- Max Dörffer: actor
- Martin Dörffer: actor
- Kurt Dörffer: actor
- Arnim Dörffer: artist and art director
- Jan Dörffer: German film German director and producer
- Eva Dörffer: German costume designer
- Olaf Dörffer: German singer
- Alfred Dörffer: German actor
- Martin Dörffer: German actor and director