Surname Dierauff - Meaning and Origin

Dierauff: What does the surname Dierauff mean?

The last name Dierauff is of German origin and the literal translation of the name is “raven king”. The word is derived from the High German and Old German words diar meaning “king”, and auff meaning “raven” or “carrion”.

Historically, the name originates from ancient Germanic mythology where Odin, the king of the gods, was believed to have two raven companions named Hugin and Munin. Odin was often portrayed atop his eight-legged steed, Sleipnir, and thought to be accompanied by the two ravens, whom, according to some later traditions, were said to have been the children of Odin himself. It is this mythological origin--Odin as the king of the ravens--that gave rise to the modern German surname Dierauff.

The name Dierauff first appeared in German records in the late 16th century. Records show that it has been in use since at least the late 19th century in the Hesse-Nassau region of Germany. It is a rare family name and is not thought to be connected to any other surname.

Today, the Dierauff surname is primarily found in Germany and Austria, but has spread to other countries such as Australia, the United States, and Canada. Although not a common name, it has spawned the occasional nickname, such as Diers (“raven’s”).

In summary, the Dierauff last name has its roots in mythology and likely origins from the Hesse-Nassau region of Germany. It has been in use for several centuries and is today found most commonly in Germany and Austria, but has spread to other countries throughout the world.

Dierauff: Where does the name Dierauff come from?

The last name Dierauff is mainly found in Germany, particularly in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate. There is also a sizeable presence of the surname in Luxembourg. Those bearing the name Dierauff have a long history in Germany, with the first recorded instances of people with the last name occurring during the 16th century in Bavaria. This suggests that the surname was likely brought to the region by either individual migrants or as a family name when colonization of the area began.

Dierauff is not overly common today, with the vast majority of current bearers of the name living in Germany. The largest concentration of the surname is found around the cities and towns of Hannover, Berlin, Bremen, and Biberach. However, the diaspora of Dierauffs has spread throughout the world, with some number of individuals bearing the surname living in Austria, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and even the United States.

Dierauffs around the world are connected by bonds of family, heritage, and culture, and share in a unique history of migration, colonization, and German-speaking ancestry. Although the name may not be overly common today, the presence and legacy of the Dierauff family is still powerfully felt in Germany and other nations, connecting those around the world who share the proud name.

Variations of the surname Dierauff

The surname Dierauff (or Dieroff) is of Germanic origin and can be found in many variations and spellings. The most common variants are:

• Dieraff

• Dirrauf

• Deerauff

• Dierof

• Dirauf

• Dirauff

• Dirraff

• Dirroff

• Dirrrauf

• Dierouff

• Dierauf

• Dirauffe

• Deerauffe

• Deeroff

• Diroff

• Dirrrauff

• Dirrraufe

• Diaroff

• Dirrouf

• Deeruff

• Deiraff

• Dirrof

• Dieiraff

• Dirrouff

• Dirroffe

Variations and spellings of the surname Dierauff from other countries include Diaroff (Russian), Dieruf (Polish), and Dirroff (Czech).

Other surnames that share the same origin as Dierauff include Dirr, Dirki, Dirksen, Dirks, Dirksmeyer, Dirkson, Dirkin, Dirke, Dirkemeyer, and Dirken.

Famous people with the name Dierauff

• John Dierauff: American singer-songwriter who is lead vocalist for the metalcore band Unearth.
• Bo Dierauff: American professional soccer player who plays for San Antonio FC.
• Elias Dierauff: American drag racer and stunt driver who is best known for his appearances in stunt shows and multiple television shows and films.
• Gustav Dierauff: Swedish footballer who played the majority of his career in Sweden as well as some seasons in Italy.
• Peter Dierauff: German composer and choir conductor born in Berlin.
• Ruth Dierauff: American Broadway actress who starred in a number of notable musicals.
• Thomas Dierauff: German actor and director known for his appearances in television series and films.
• Wolfgang Dierauff: German actor and director best known for his stage performances in the comedy theater Die Wühlmäuse in Berlin.

Other surnames

Dierauf