Surname Höffelmann - Meaning and Origin

Höffelmann: What does the surname Höffelmann mean?

The last name Höffelmann is of German origin and has a heraldic shield associated with it that features a gold or silver base with a blue background, three black arrows pointing downward, and three black beaks of crows at the top.

Höffelmann is derived from the Old German words meaning “hof” or court, “helm” or helmet and “man” or man. This reflects the traditional occupation of the first Höffelmanns as court officials or noble men of arms often seen in Germany during the Middle Ages.

The Höffelmann family crest is a representation of their long-standing noble heritage, and is likely meant to signify their role as protectors of court or a symbol of protection and fidelity to their family and lineage.

The Höffelmann family has spread throughout the world, and its members have held various prominent positions in politics, business, academy, and culture over the centuries. In modern times, the name retains its proud heritage and has become an invaluable part of German family histories.

Today, the Höffelmann surname is still found in several regions of Germany, as well as in countries throughout Europe, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. No matter where the family has ended up, though, the name carries a powerful legacy as a long-standing symbol of German nobility and loyalty.

Höffelmann: Where does the name Höffelmann come from?

The surname Höffelmann is most commonly found in the country of Germany. Within Germany, the highest concentration of Höffelmann's are recorded in the southern state of Bavaria. Records show Bavaria holds the highest quantity of surname registrations with Höffelmann registered approximately 690 times since 1513. It is believed the surname originated from the Latin, Sorellos, which is derived from the German "Höffel" or "Höffele".

Outside of Germany, locations that have a significant amount of the Höffelmann surname include Argentina, Austria, Switzerland, the United States, and Canada. Smaller amounts of the surname have been found in countries including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, and the Netherlands.

In recent times, the Höffelmann surname can be found particularly in the USA. According to census records, the surname is most frequently found in the northeast and Midwest states with populations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and New York. The highest population density within these states is in Pennsylvania where the surname can be found in counties like Berks, Lehigh and Bucks.

It is important to note records of the surname in England and France span into the 14th century, highlighting the family's lengthy presence in Europe. Additionally, the Höffelmann surname can now be found in over 20 countries across the world. From Germanic roots, the Höffelmann name has flourished into other nations and continues to be a common surname in many corners of the world.

Variations of the surname Höffelmann

The surname Höffelmann is an occupational name, derived from ‘Höffel’, the German word for a cooper or a barrell-maker. It can also be written as ‘Hoeffelmann’ or ‘Höfelmann’. Other spelling variants include ‘Höppelmann’, 'Hoelffelmann’, ‘Heeffelmann’, ‘Hölffelmann’, ‘Höppelman’, ‘Heppelman’, ‘Hoeppleman’, ‘Hoefelmann’ and ‘Hoefelman’.

Among the surnames of the same origin as Höffelmann include ‘Hoeffel’, ‘Höffle’, ‘Höffling’, ‘Höpfel’, ‘Heeffel’, ‘Höefel’, ‘Hoelffel’, ‘Höfl’, ‘Hoefel’, ‘Hoefele’, ‘Hoppel’, ‘Hoeflich’, ‘Höphle’, ‘Hoefl’, ‘Hoewel’, ‘Höpen’, ‘Hoewer’, ‘Hoerman’, ‘Hoefler’ and ‘Hochnetter’.

The alternate English spelling of the surname is Hoffleman. It can also be found as 'Hoffelman', 'Hoffeleman', 'Hoffelemann' and 'Hofleman'.

The name Höffelmann and its variants can also be found in countries such as Austria, Switzerland and South Tyrol (Alto Adige). In Austria, it is also written as ‘Höfelmair’, while in Switzerland, ‘Hueffelman’ is the spelling of the name. The surname can also be found in Switzerland and South Tyrol (as ‘Hoafelmair’ and ‘Hoeflemair’, respectively).

Famous people with the name Höffelmann

• Franz Höffelmann: He was an important German architect and was the instigator and main builder of Cologne’s Great City Hall in Gothic style.
• Heinrich Höffelmann: He was a German painter. His works mainly consisted of historic buildings.
• Barbara Höffelmann: A German politician from the Free Democratic Party. She was the mayor of Düsseldorf from 2002 until 2010.
• Ludwig Höffelmann: A German chess master who was active in the 19th century.
• Maria Höffelmann: An Austrian writer and magazine editor. She wrote several books about the everyday lives of women in the 19th century.
• Hans Höffelmann: A German tennis player and the 5th ranked player in Germany.
• Karl Höffelmann: A German diver who represented Germany in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
• Ernst Höffelmann: He held many important positions in the history of German television. He was the programming director for the German public broadcaster, ARD, from 1952 until 1961.
• Willi Höffelmann: A German blacksmith and wood carver. He designed the market square fountain in Duisburg.
• Josef Höffelmann: A German politician and the Social Democratic Party member and mayor of Remscheid from 1922 to 1932.

Other surnames

Höffelmaier