Surname Meyerhoff - Meaning and Origin
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Meyerhoff: What does the surname Meyerhoff mean?
Meyerhoff is a German surname, which is derived from the Middle High German term, “meyern” meaning “build, make” or “farm”, and “hoff” meaning “dwelling” or “court”. Put together, Meyerhoff means a dwelling or court that is built or farmed.
The first records of the Meyerhoff name were found in the 13th century in Germany. During this time period, the name was associated with noble families like the House of Fishery, the House of Lurgy, and the House of Meyerhoff. Over the years, the Meyerhoff name has spread across Europe and to the United States.
Today, individuals bearing the surname Meyerhoff are generally associated with being hardworking and dependable. As their name suggests, they are usually good with their hands and are given to building, making, and farming. They are also known for their strong work ethic and their ability to stick with a task until it is completed properly.
Meyerhoff is a strong, resilient name that has been passed down through generations. It is a name that signifies hard work, dedication, and loyalty—all traits that can lead to a successful life.
Order DNA origin analysisMeyerhoff: Where does the name Meyerhoff come from?
The last name Meyerhoff is most commonly associated with German-speaking nations. This surname is found primarily in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland, although there are a few other countries of origin included. It is also quite common in the United States, where it is the 783rd most popular surnaming in 2020.
The Meyerhoff name has strong links to certain regions of Germany which are home to many Meyerhoff families. The city of Merschbach in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as several small towns and villages in the state of Baden-Württemberg, have been identified as areas with particularly high numbers of Meyerhoff families.
The name Meyerhoff is also prevalent in the Netherlands, particularly in the Holland region and the island of Texel.
In Austria, this surname is abundant in the provinces of Burgenland and Vorarlberg. Meyerhoff families are also known in Switzerland, mainly in the canton of Zurich.
In the United States, Meyerhoff is primarily an immigrant surname. The first recorded immigrant of this name was Johannes Nicolas Meyerhoff, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1763 from Kreis Freddy, Germany. The highest concentration of Meyerhoff families in the United States is in New York and Pennsylvania.
Variations of the surname Meyerhoff
The surname Meyerhoff is derived from the German language and is thought to have originated in the medieval period. Possible variants and spellings of the same origin of Meyerhoff include: Meyerhoffe, Meyershoff, Meyershof, Meyerhof, Meirhoff, Meierhoff, Meyerhoven, Meierhovan, Meyhoff, Meyhof, and Meyeerhoff.
The origins of the Meyerhoff surname are uncertain, but is believed to be occupational in nature. It is thought to be an occupational name derived from the Middle High German mērihove meaning "cattle farmer" or "cattle herder." It was likely originally taken from a livestock farmer or one who raised farm animals.
The surname is frequently found in Germany and The Netherlands. In the United States, it is not a common surname and may have been shortened from its original spelling when immigrants arrived in the 19th century.
Meyerhoff is also a Jewish surname. It is suggested that the name may have been derived from the Yiddish form of Meier, a variation of Meadhbh, an ancient Irish name meaning “she who intoxicates” or “intoxicating woman.” This could refer to a distiller of alcoholic beverages or a tavern keeper.
Today, Meyerhoff is the sixth most common Jewish name in Germany and the seventeenth most common Jewish name in the United States.
The surname has become popular in various forms in countries such as Australia, France, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It is also found in countries such as Canada, Denmark, Norway, and South Africa.
Overall, Meyerhoff is an uncommon but global surname. Though its origin is uncertain, it likely was an occupational name derived from the Middle High German term for "cattle herder." It is also a Jewish name and the sixth most common Jewish name in Germany. The surname is found in numerous countries and has variants such as Meyershoff, Meyershof, Meyerhof, and Meirhoff.
Famous people with the name Meyerhoff
- Rudi Meyerhoff: German actor and film producer who is best known for his roles in the horror films Wolfsblood and The Slayer
- Otto Meyerhoff: German inventor, entrepreneur, and industrialist who founded the chemical-pharmaceuticals company Emergent BioSolutions
- Amelie Meyerhoff: German actress and model who portrayed the character of Lily on the TV show "Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten"
- Gisela Meyerhoff: German actress and director best known for her role on the German soap opera "Lindenstraße"
- Larry Meyerhoff: American businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who is the founder and chairman of Burger King and the Meyerhoff Family Charities
- Yaron Meyerhoff: Israeli writer, director, and producer who has released several films including Radical Grace and 50/50
- Sandy Meyerhoff: American multi-instrumentalist, composer, and multi-platinum selling record producer who has written and produced songs for artists including Rihanna, Maroon 5, and Selena Gomez
- William Meyerhoff: American businessman and entrepreneur who founded the investment firm Brigade Capital Management
- Troy Meyerhoff: American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philanthropist who has been on the board of directors for several prominent organizations including American Express and Goldman Sachs
- Michael Meyerhoff: German sculptor and designer who is best known for his bronze statues "Dream Catcher" and "The Thirst"