Surname Lauffer - Meaning and Origin
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Lauffer: What does the surname Lauffer mean?
The last name "Lauffer" is German in origin and like many surnames, it likely originated as a nickname or an occupational name. However, the direct meaning of Lauffer in modern German language is not clear. Based on its likely Germanic roots, it could perhaps be linked to 'laufen', which means 'to run' in German. Therefore, it could have been an occupational name for a messenger or courier who used to run to deliver messages. Another possible origin is related to the Old German word "louffan", which translates to "to run" as well. However, without specific historical lineage details, it's difficult to ascertain its exact meaning. Unfortunately, like many less common surnames, the specific origin of "Lauffer" has been lost to history. Nevertheless, those with the surname Lauffer can certainly take pride in their potential connection to these spheres of occupation and roles in traditional German society. Please note, genealogical research might provide a more personalized and accurate understanding of the surname's significance for specific individuals or families.
Order DNA origin analysisLauffer: Where does the name Lauffer come from?
The last name Lauffer is most common in the United States, particularly in the Midwestern and Eastern regions. It is also quite common in Canada, particularly in provinces such as Ontario and Alberta.
The origin of the Lauffer surname is German. It was once used as a occupational surname, derived from the German word "laufen", meaning “to run” or “to walk fast”, and eventually became an inherited family name.
In the United States, the surname Lauffer is much more heavily concentrated in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. In Ohio, the surname Lauffer is in its highest distribution in the Cincinnati metropolitan area, and the cities of Cleveland and Columbus. In Pennsylvania, the surname is particularly prominent in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
In Canada, the last name Lauffer is most commonly found in Ontario, where it ranks among the top 100 surnames in the province. It is also quite prominent in Alberta.
The name Lauffer originated as an occupational surname and evolved over the centuries to become an inherited family name. While more common in the United States and Canada, it is also seen around the world, particularly in countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Lauffer
The surname Lauffer is a German-origin name, likely derived from the word 'leuf', which means either 'praised' or 'brave'. It may have been given to people by the way they were perceived as in 'he is a brave man'. The variants of Lauffer include Laufer, Laber, Lefar, Levant, Levai, and Levay.
Since surnames are often adapted to local languages, Lauffer has also been spelled differently in different areas. In areas where French is most spoken, the name may be spelled 'Laefer' or 'LeFèvre'. In Czech-speaking lands, the common spelling is 'Lev' or 'Levý'. In Slovenia and Croatia, the name may be spelled 'Levašević'.
Surnames sometimes get altered between generations. In German-speaking countries, Lauffer might be written as Lowfer, Lowffer, or Loffer, while variants like Lauffers, Loffers, Louffers, and Loufers may arise in Dutch-speaking regions. In Poland, the name might be rendered as Lawera, Lewera, or Lewera. In Hungary, the variants Levey and Level are sometimes seen.
Finally, there are a variety of surnames arising from variants of Lauffer. These may include Laver, Lefors, Laaf, Lavor, Lavoie, Lawry, Lawryk, Lofensky, Lofers, and Livar.
Famous people with the name Lauffer
- Lawrence Lauffer, American musician
- Henry Lauffer, American politician
- Shannon Lauffer, American actress
- Joe Lauffer, American professional wrestler
- Paul Lauffer, German dramatist
- Klaus Lauffer, German conductor
- Julian Lauffer, Swiss soccer player
- Jon Lauffer, American Water Polo player
- Tina Lauffer, Austrian model
- Mike Lauffer, Major League Baseball Player
- Charles Lauffer Jr., American judge
- Christine Lauffer, German Paralympic athlete
- Guido Lauffer, German wheelchair basketball player
- Dieter Lauffer, German doctor
- Ernst Lauffer, Austrian Olympic silver medalist
- Konrad Lauffer, German mathematician
- Mark Lauffer, American computer scientist