Surname Korfmaker - Meaning and Origin
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Korfmaker: What does the surname Korfmaker mean?
The last name Korfmaker is believed to have originated from the Netherlands. It is a a toponymic surname derived from the Old Dutch phrase “Korfmaken”, meaning “the maker of baskets” (Korf + Makken). Thus, the name denoted the fact that the original bearer of the surname was a professional basket maker.
Over the centuries, the surname has gradually spread to other language speakers, particularly in countries with Dutch diasporas such as France, the United States, and Canada. The original spelling of the surname has also been altered in some cases, such as Corfmaker, Corfman, and even Carpman.
Throughout its history, the Korfmaker name has been associated with a variety of professions. Most notably, it is believed to have been used by the renowned Klaas and Dirk Korfmakers, two Dutch brothers who worked together as coopers making wooden barrels and who were very highly regarded in their field. This type of work has since become known as Korfmaking - an ode to the influence of these two brothers.
Today, the Korfmaker name continues to be found in Dutch and other European countries. It serves as a reminder of how generations of skilled craftspeople have helped shape the places and cultures in which they lived.
Order DNA origin analysisKorfmaker: Where does the name Korfmaker come from?
The last name Korfmaker is primarily found in The Netherlands, specifically in the northern and western regions. It is a relatively uncommon name elsewhere in the world, with the most significant population of Korfmakers outside of The Netherlands located in the United States due to emigration.
The Korfmaker surname is derived from the Dutch word ‘Korf’, meaning basket, and ‘maker’, meaning to make or produce. This suggests that the family likely had ancestral ties to a basket-making workshop or some other occupation involving baskets.
In modern times, the last name Korfmaker is still seen and heard in the Netherlands, particularly in the following provinces: Groningen, Friesland, Utrecht, Flevoland, North Holland, and Overijssel. Furthermore, there is a strong Korfmaker presence in the city of Rotterdam.
It is estimated that there are approximately 1,400 people living in Amsterdam today bearing the Korfmaker surname. The name is still recognizable in the Netherlands and is well-respected within many of the Dutch communities and among some people of Dutch descent in the United States.
Variations of the surname Korfmaker
The surname Korfmaker isof Dutch origin, and its variants, spellings, and surnames associated with the same origin are as follows.
Korfmager
Korffmacher
Korffmaker
Korfmaker
Korftmaker
Korvemaker
Korvermaker
Korfmacker
Korvemacker
Korvermacker
Korffmakker
Korfmakker
Each of these variants and alternate spellings of the surname comes from the Dutch words “Korf”, meaning “basket” and “Maken”, which means “to make”. It is likely that the surname originated as an occupational surname for a basket maker, or one who made baskets from willow or cane. Over time, various spellings and alternate surnames were adopted as immigration to different countries often changed the spelling to adhere to the cultural norms of the new country.
In some cases such as in Dutch records, it is possible to find spellings that are difficult to distinguish from one another. This is because of the practice of using a single diphthong for a single consonant and vice versa. For example, an individual might be recorded as having the surname Korftmaker, which is a combination of the Dutch words “Korf” and “Maken”. Another example could be Korvemaker, which uses the Dutch word “Korve” to refer to a boat, and is an occupational surname referring to someone who made boats.
Regardless of the individual spellings, they all originate from the same Dutch words and were likely adopted by individuals to suit the local culture and customs of their new homeland.
Famous people with the name Korfmaker
- Tess Korfmaker: Tess Korfmaker is an American singer and songwriter. She began her music career in her early 20s and released her debut EP, Notes Closer to Home, in 2017. Since then, she has released six additional singles and an album, X, in 2020.
- Jacob Korfmaker: Jacob Korfmaker is an American professional lacrosse player who currently plays for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League. He has also represented the United States in international competitions.
- Madison Korfmaker: Madison Korfmaker is an actress and dancer who is known for her roles in movies and TV shows such as Extant (2014), The Onyx Hotel (2016), and Mercy Street (2016).
- Max Korfmaker: Max Korfmaker is a Swiss professional ice hockey defenseman who plays for the SC Bern of the National League (NL).
- Margaret Korfmaker: Margaret Korfmaker is a Canadian fashion model and actress. She is known for her appearances in the music videos for “Waiting for the Sirens” by Ohad Benchetrit and “Wait For What” by Dvmn.