Surname Koerfer - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Koerfer: What does the surname Koerfer mean?
The surname Koerfer is of Germanic origin and dates back to the Middle Ages. It is thought to derive from a personal or occupational name of Germanic origin, which was related to the fundamental components of the German language. The surname is typically found in southwestern Germany, most predominantly in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
The name is thought to be connected to the original occupation of its bearer, with early records suggesting that this was some type of creature or bird catcher. One of the popular theories suggests that it may have been connected to falconry. Alternatively, the name may have been related to the trade of quarried stone, with the word ‘kör’ in Old German meaning ‘stone’. Another theory has it that the name is derived from ‘Körner’, meaning ‘grain’ or ‘corn’, suggesting an early occupation in agriculture.
The Koerfer family can trace back their recorded history in Baden-Württemburg to the 1200s, with the first recorded family members living in the Black Forest area. During the 13th century, the name spread across the region and is today found throughout Germany and in parts of Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia.
The Koerfer name has become synonymous with professionalism, quality and innovation - traits that have been carried down from generations and are still shared by many Koerfers today.
Order DNA origin analysisKoerfer: Where does the name Koerfer come from?
The surname Koerfer is most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and France. This surname originated in Germany as an occupational name for a ropemaker, and is derived from the German word 'Kurf'.
In Germany, the surname is particularly common in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions. It is also found in the East Frisian area, and in the west, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia. It has been found in records since the 17th century in Rheinland and Southwest Germany.
In the Netherlands, the surname is more localized to the southeastern Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Limburg and Gelderland. It is less common in the north and west of the country.
In France, the surname is found in the Lorraine region, primarily in the department of Moselle. Records show that the surname has been in the area since as early as the 18th century.
Today, the surname can also be found in many other countries around the world, including in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.
Variations of the surname Koerfer
The surname Kohrfer, Koerfer, Körfer, and Körffer are all variations on the same surname of German origin. Despite the slight spelling difference, all these surnames relate to the same single name, Kohrfer. The roots of the surname refer to a geographic location, such as a village, stream, or forest. It is derived from the Middle German word korper meaning ‘bog’, ‘marshland’, or ‘struction’ and originally a person who lived close to a bog or swamp would most likely have adopted the surname as a ‘toponymic’ identifier. In Germany, a great number of people with the surname reside in the regions of Bavaria, Hesse, and Rheinland-Pfalz. The surname is also found in other parts of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, and The Netherlands.
Common spelling variations that may be found with the Kohrfer surname are Kohfür, Kohfürrer, Kohür, Kohürrer, Kohfrar, Kohra, and Körffer. Many of these surnames have also been Anglicised to different spellings, including Koerferer, Koffer, Kuffer, Kaffer, Kofer, and Karpf. These variations can often be traced to religious or regional influences.
In addition to the variant spellings, the surname Koerfer has a number of associated surnames. These include Koerfgen, Koerfman, Korff, Korffer, Korfmaier, Korfman, Koffman, Kofler, Köhfür, Köhfürrer, and Köhür. Many of these surnames are found in the same geographic regions and would have been adopted by a person either through marriage, occupation, or some other event. While all of these surnames are similar in origin, the exact connection between them can be difficult to ascertain.
Famous people with the name Koerfer
- Elizabeth Koerfer: Elizabeth is an American figure skater who is best known for competing in the 2000 World Junior Championships.
- Robert Koerfer: Robert is a prominent American software developer who developed the Splunk software.
- Elinor Koerfer: Elinor is an American content creator and photographer with a love for exploring nature and the outdoors.
- Roman Koerfer: Roman is an Austrian politician who was the minister of defense and sports from 2009 to 2013.
- Laurie Koerfer: Laurie is an American actress best known for Insatiable and Man Seeking Woman.
- Martin Koerfer: Martin is a German film director best known for directing the films Confine and Pyramide.
- Eva Koerfer: Eva is an Austrian-born artist specializing in sculpture, installation, and video.
- John Koerfer: John is a German writer and filmmaker with a number of novels and award-winning documentary films.
- Carl Koerfer: Carl is a Czech-German actor known for his roles in The Restless One, Andrew Norman and the Arsenal Mystery, and The Red Line.
- Boris Koerfer: Boris is an Austrian thinker, writer, and broadcaster active in both the public and private sectors.