Surname Pfefferle - Meaning and Origin
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Pfefferle: What does the surname Pfefferle mean?
The last name Pfefferle is of German origin, deriving from the German word for pepper, "pfeffer". The surname was originally an occupational name for a pepper-seller, either in a shop or at a market. It is thought to have arisen among German-speaking Jews in pre-modern times, likely due to the growth of the spice trade in their communities.
The surname could also have been an occupational name for one who worked with pepper in another capacity, such as a chef or cook. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname to describe someone who was seen to be as hot-headed or irritable as the spice.
The name might have also been used to describe someone from the German state of Pfaffenfisch. This location was known for its production of pepper in the Middle Ages and its name likely derived from the importance of the spice to the region, transforming pfeffer into Pfefferle when the town adopted the German suffix le.
Thus, the last name Pfefferle likely derives from the German word pfeffer, meaning pepper. While it could simply have indicated an occupation or a place of origin, the surname could also have been given to someone as a nickname to reflect their temperament.
Order DNA origin analysisPfefferle: Where does the name Pfefferle come from?
The last name Pfefferle (also spelled Pfäffle and Pfeffel) is primarily found in Germany, especially in southwest Germany in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. According to the German census taken in 2019, around 10,717 people in Germany have the surname Pfefferle.
The surname can also be found in Austria, with approximately 2,619 people having the name Pfefferle in 2019.
The origin of the last name Pfefferle is a Germanic word meaning ‘pepper.’ It is thought to have been used as a nickname or occupational name for someone who grew, sold, or used pepper.
The Pfefferle surname is also found in parts of Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic and Hungary. There may also be some Pfefferles in other parts of Europe such as Switzerland, as the name was recorded in the late 19th century.
In the United States, Pfefferle is the 30,418th most common last name, with around 632 people having the surname. It is most common in the state of Wisconsin, with around 343 people having the surname Pfefferle. There are also several Pfefferles in Pennsylvania, mostly of German ancestry.
The last name Pfefferle is not terribly common, but it is still found in some places throughout Europe and the United States. It has a Germanic origin and is believed to have been used as a nickname for a pepper seller or user.
Variations of the surname Pfefferle
Pfefferle is a German surname that can be variantly spelled with a “pf” or “ff”. The most common variations are “Pfeffle,” “Pfäffle,” “Pfaffle” and “Pfäfel.” Other less common variations include “Pfeffel,” “Pfäfeler” and “Pfäffler.”
These surname variations are the result of German vowel sounds that change depending on dialect and the spelling is more accurate for a particular dialect than what is spelled phonetically. The variations are often found in family trees and old parish records when searching for ancestors with the Pfefferle surname.
The surname can also be found as a variant under other surnames. Other surnames related to Pfefferle may include Pfaffenlehner, Pfähler, Pfärrer, Pfaffham, Pfaffinger, Pfaffenroth, Pfäffle and Pfaffeler. It is commonly found in areas with a large German population such as Bavaria, Austria, and the German states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Thuringia.
The surname Pfefferle likely has its origin in early German Christian names, which were often directly related to religious concepts and saints. Pfefferle may have derived from “pfeffern” meaning to pepper or season, or from “pfeffel” meaning to strain off or purify. The surname could also be related to the word “pferd,” meaning horse or stallion, or “pfau” meaning peacock. There is also a German village named Pfeffelbach in Rheinland-Pfalzthat could also have served as the origin for the surname.
It is also interesting to note that English-speaking countries have a similar surname, Pfaff, that has a similar origin to Pfefferle. The English variant is also spelled variously as Poff, Pfoff and Pfouff.
Famous people with the name Pfefferle
- Ava Pfefferle: Actor and model who has shot editorials for Martha Stewart Living and starred in national television commercials.
- Maurice Pfefferle: Formerly member of the Colorado State Senate, representing District 23.
- Martin Pfefferle: German BMX racer who is sponsored by Bitubo and won the Silver Medal at the 2017 European Championships.
- Letizia Pfefferle: Swiss multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and arranger.
- Heinrich Pfefferle: German politician who was elected to the Bavarian Regional Council in 2018.
- Gary Pfefferle: Director of the renowned Maynard School Chorus, Gary Pfefferle has been praised for his work with young singers.
- Gabi Pfefferle: Austrian figure skater who competed at the 2006 Winter Olympics and placed 7th in Junior Worlds in 2004.
- Anne Pfefferle: Founder and CEO of G-Snack, a food technology start-up that creates nutritional snacks prepared with insects.
- Jann-Michael Pfefferle: German writer, designer, and field recordist who has released numerous soundscapes exploring the relationship between sound and place.
- Alberto Pfefferle: Brazilian screenwriter, comic book author, and film director whose works have been featured in numerous festivals around the world.