Surname Höf - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Höf: What does the surname Höf mean?
The last name Höf is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "hove" which translates to “farmstead” or “courtyard”. It is likely that it was used as a topographic surname to describe someone who lived near this type of dwelling or who owned one. It may also have been used as a nickname for someone who was renowned for their hospitality, as these types of establishments usually acted as a place of welcome for travellers.
The spelling variants of this surname include Höff, Hoeff, Hof, Hofer, Hoff, Hoffer, Hoffmann, Höfler, Hoefler, Höfling and Höfelmann. The surname is primarily found throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland but is also in use elsewhere around the world, such as in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is estimated that there are approximately 15,000 bearers of the surname Höf around the world today.
The surname has been borne by many distinguished people throughout history, such as German-born mathematician Christian Felix Höfener, who worked at the University of Dresden, and German actor Karl Höfener. It is a strong and enduring surname and is part of German and European history.
Order DNA origin analysisHöf: Where does the name Höf come from?
The last name Höf is still common today, particularly in parts of Europe. It is prevalent in Austria, particularly in Lower and Upper Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia, and even parts of the Czech Republic.
In Germany, the surname is often spelled Hoeff, and is more prevalent in the northern regions near the border with Denmark. It can be found in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and Hamburg as well as in the western regions of Thuringia and Lower Saxony. In fact, it is one of the most common surnames in Lower Saxony.
In Austria, the surname is more frequently found in the eastern part of the country, with the majority of the bearers living in Upper and Lower Austria. It is also quite popular in the Tyrol and Vorarlberg regions.
In Hungary, the surname is fairly widespread, but is predominantly found in the south-eastern parts of the country, particularly in the city of Kecskemet. It is also present in the north-western regions of Slovenia, and in Croatia.
In Slovakia, the last name is most commonly found in the city of Kosice and the surrounding region. It is also relatively common in the eastern regions of the country.
Finally, the surname is also present in the Czech Republic, where it is mainly concentrated in the northern regions of Bohemia and Moravia.
Variations of the surname Höf
The surname Höf can be spelled as Hof, Hoeff, Hoef, Hoefs etc. It is derived from the German words "Hof" which means Court, Manor, Mansion, Estate and "Höf" which means Courtier, Nobleman, Knight, or Prince. This surname is of German origin and is found in many countries. It is also sometimes seen as a variant of the surname Hoff. There are a few other variants for Höf depending on the language spoken in a certain region. For instance, in Slovakia and Czech Republic it is commonly seen spelled as Hofík or Hofíek, and in Hungary it is seen as Hofi or Hofik.
The surname Höf can also be found as the patronymic surnames Hofmann, Hofmeyer and Hofmeier. These surnames originate from the feudal lord of the local court when a person lived in a certain area. Hofsmann and Hofmeister are also variants of the original surname.
Some of the spellings of the surname Höf can be quite rare or even archaic. Other variants include: Höffer, Höffe, Hoffer, Hoffman, Höfer, Hofrichter, Hofmiesser, Hoffa, Hoofman, Höfling, Höfen, Hoffe, Hoftmans, Hoffz, Hoap, Hoeb, Hoebes, Hoebman, Hoefman and Hoefer.
Famous people with the name Höf
- Alexander Höfler: well-known Austrian actor.
- Gertraud Höfler: Austrian musician and composer.
- Verdina Höf: German-American actress.
- Heather Höf: Swiss-American model.
- Wolfgang Höf: downed World War II pilot, the only surviving airman of the British Lancaster bomber shot down in December 1943.
- Johann Höfler: Austrian field hockey player.
- Nikolaus Höfler: German football (soccer) goalkeeper.
- Franz Höf: German race car driver.
- Sebastian Höf: Austrian singer and songwriter.
- Erik Höf: Austrian swimmer.
- Heinz Höfler: Austrian skier.
- Johann Höf: Austrian racing cyclist.
- Alexander Höf: German football player.
- Erwin Höf: Austrian mid-distance runner.
- Thomas Höf: Austrian-American actor and voice actor.
- Johanna Höf: Austrian athlete specializing in track and field sports.
- Dieter Höf: German footballer.
- Maria Höf: German football player.
- Norbert Höf: Austrian sport shooter.
- Edwin Höf: Austrian ski jumper.