Surname Laufer - Meaning and Origin

Rediscovering Roots & Familial Identity Through iGENEA DNA Test Results - A Journey into the Laufer Lineage

Taking up the iGENEA DNA test, I ventured deep into the roots of my ancestry. The results, shedding light on my lineage, gave my family name, Laufer, new meaning and significance. They revealed a connection to distant places, cultures, and a rich background of forgotten ancestors, thereby reshaping my perception of my family identity.

J. Laufer

Laufer: What does the surname Laufer mean?

The surname Laufer is of German origin and translates literally to "runner" or "courier" in English. This name could have been an occupational surname given to messengers or runners in medieval times, who delivered messages between different locations. It could also possibly relate to someone who was fast or swift, as running was a necessary skill for many occupations during this period. Like other surnames that originated during this time, Laufer would have started as a nickname or a descriptor of a person's occupation, skills, or characteristics, eventually becoming a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Despite its German roots, Laufer is found worldwide today due to historical migration and diaspora.

Laufer: Where does the name Laufer come from?

The last name Laufer is particularly common in Central and Eastern Europe and in German-speaking countries. Several different regions across the continent, including Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Austria, have significant populations with the surname Laufer. In Poland, the name is found in the Silesia and Lower Silesia provinces, as well as the city of Warsaw. It is also noteworthy that the Laufer surname is quite popular in the Jewish diaspora, though many of its bearers have anglicized it to something else, such as "Lauffer" and "Lawfer."

In the United States, the Laufer surname is prevalent throughout the country, with highest concentrations in California, New York, and New Jersey. The last name has a long history in the U.S., where it was brought by German settlers in the 19th century. As of 2018, there were an estimated 5,000 individuals in the United States bearing that surname.

Despite its global reach, the Laufer surname remains very popular in its area of origin, with frequent sightings throughout Central and Eastern Europe. It is easy to imagine that Laufer is a name that has been borne by many generations in this corner of the world, as it has proven to be a extremely resilient over the centuries.

Variations of the surname Laufer

The Laufer surname is a toponymic surname, meaning one that is derived from a place or location name. As a result, the spellings and variants of this surname may change depending on the country or region of origin.

In Germany, the Laufer surname was originally spelt "Lauffer," but this was changed to Laufer after certain dialects mixing during the 18th century. In Ashkenazi Jewish culture, the Laufer surname is traditionally spelt Léfèr with a circumflex accent over the "e."

Variant names of Laufer include Lauer, Lauerbach, Laufre, Laur, Laüfer, Lofer, and Loufer. Similarly, surnames of German-Jewish origin that are believed to be closely related to the Laufer surname may include Lefeber, Lefer, Lefever, and Lefever.

In Czech Republic, the Laufer surname is written as "Laufr." In Hungary, variants of the surname include Lauer, Letfus, Lavaro, Lavur, Loewer, Loefler, and Loebler.

In other regions, the surnames Louf and Loff may be derived from the Laufer surname.

In short, the Laufer surname has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin depending on the country of origin.

Famous people with the name Laufer

• Mark Laufer: American writer, producer, director, and actor who wrote and produced the Academy Award-nominated films Malcolm X and Rain Man.
• Fritz Laufer: Austrian Jewish political activist, journalist, and economist who was highly influential in the early 20th century labor and social movements.
• Walter Laufer (also known as Walter Laubinger): German composer, pianist, and actor who wrote numerous works for the operetta stage.
• Paul G. Laufer: German American architect known for designing the U.S. Treasury and the National Archives Building in Washington D.C.
• Kurt Laufer: German-born American sculptor who was a major figure in the New York art world of the first half of the 20th century.
• Anton Laufer: Czech-born, Austrian-American screenwriter and film director who is best known for directing some of the most beloved films of the silent era.
• Hanna Laufer: Israeli-born violinist and composer who is best known for her ground-breaking works for solo violin.
• Hugo Laufer: Austrian artist, illustrator, and woodblock printer primarily known for his theatrical prints, drawings, and expressive woodcuts.
• Carl A. Laufer: American political scientist and professor emeritus at Boston University, who was an expert on labor law and the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Wilhelm Laufer: German missionary and folklorist noted for his study and documentation of Chinese culture and language during the early 20th century.

Other surnames

Laufersweiler