Surname Keuffer - Meaning and Origin

Keuffer: What does the surname Keuffer mean?

The surname Keuffer is of German origin and derived from the root words "kauf" and "er", which together mean "merchant". It is believed to have started as an occupational surname that described someone who was a shopkeeper or tradesman.

The Keuffer surname is found mostly in Germany, the United States, and other countries with German immigrant populations. It can also be found in various spelling variations such as Kaeuffer, Kaueffer, Kauffer, Kaufmann, Kauffman, Kauffmann, Kaufer, Kauffers, Keuffer, Keufers, Koeuffer and Koeffers.

Keuffer is a less common surname and is usually found in records dating back to the mid-1700s. During this era, people worked within the same trade and were known by the name of their profession, typically a surname derived from the profession. The meaning of the name Keuffer is associated with a person who was a merchant or shopkeeper, likely a grocer, selling foodstuffs and other products.

Throughout the centuries, the Keuffers have left numerous records of their work and lives. Many have held prestigious positions and achieved success in their chosen professions. Some have become foreign ambassadors or successful businessmen. Others have become famous politicians, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

Today, while the Keuffer surname may not be as common as it was centuries ago, it is still recognized around the world and still carries with it the same meaning and tradition: a person who is a successful shopkeeper or merchant.

Keuffer: Where does the name Keuffer come from?

The last name Keuffer is most commonly found in Germany and the United States. In the US, it is most prominently found in the Midwest region and is recorded in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Missouri. It is notable that the majority of Keuffer families living in the United States were German immigrants. In Germany, Keuffer is much more widely spread and can be found throughout the country, from the north to the south.

The statistical data of the most prominent countries with Keuffer families show that, at least in the past, there have been a high frequency of this family name in Germany. Records in the United States suggest that there are more than 1,500 individuals with the name Keuffer across several states.

In more recent years, due to America's emergence as a home for immigrants, there have been numerous Keuffer families who have moved to the United States, as well as other countries, from Germany. The digital age has also made it easier for Keuffer descendants to stay connected and contribute to the growth of the last name, ensuring this German surname remains widely available across the world.

Variations of the surname Keuffer

The surname Keuffer has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variants of the surname include Kuffer, Kueffer, Kuffer, Küffer, Kueffler, Kufferle, Köfferle, Küffler, Kueffele and Kufferlin. Some alternative spellings are Koeffer, Koeffler, Köffler and Koeffle. Sometimes, the surname Keuffer may appear as Kueffel, Kuffer, Koffler, Kofler, Kefle, Kaelfle and Kaefler.

Surnames of similar origin may also include Köhler, Köpfli, Kühl, Kühlman, Kühne, Kofler and Köpp, as well as Kater, Kaver, Kiefer and Kiefert. Additionally, surnames derived from Keuffer can be found in Switzerland such as Künzle, Künzi and Künzli.

The surname Keuffer originated from the Middle High German word “küfer” which means cooper or a barrel maker. It was adopted as a surname by a family of barrel makers and was first found in Switzerland and southern Germany. Historically, this surname has been commonly found in Alsace, southwest Germany, and Austria. In the 19th century, some people with the surname Keuffer sailed to America and many still live in the country today.

Famous people with the name Keuffer

• Joey Keuffer: American singer and songwriter, best known for his hit Love's True Story.
• Marcel Keuffer: German businessman and Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the pharmaceutical company Epigenomics.
• Paul Keuffer: German anthropologist and a pioneer in the field of medical anthropology.
• Oscar Keuffer: American actor best known for his role as Dr. Jonathan York in the TV show Dr. Kildare.
• Richard Keuffer: American lawyer and former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
• John Keuffer: American Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox.
• Leslie Keuffer: American soldier and Medal of Honor recipient for his bravery during World War I.
• Frank Keuffer: American Civil War veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor.
• Kristoffer Keuffer: Germany's most successful racecar driver, winning five Formula 1 World Championships.
• Frank Keuffer Jr.: American speedboat racer and record holder.

Other surnames

Keuffel