Surname Stoffer - Meaning and Origin
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Stoffer: What does the surname Stoffer mean?
The last name Stoffer is of German origin derived from a nickname meaning "unwilling or slow to offer”. The surname is likely derived from an old German term "staufen" which was used as a nickname to describe someone who was resistant or not willing to offer aid or favors.
This particular last name is a patronymic which is derived from the first name of the father. The spelling of the name has evolved over time which is common with the many variations of this last name such as Stauffer, Stower, Stoer, Stoper, and Stoffer.
In the Middle Ages, people often used nicknames to distinguish between two people with the same name, and Stoffer was likely one of those nicknames. The name spread throughout Europe as people moved and adopted different local customs. Some Stoffers immigrated to the United States in the 1800's due to war, famine and religious persecution.
Today, the last name Stoffer can be found throughout the US and Canada, but is most commonly found in parts of Europe. It's a reminder that even in modern times, we still carry pieces of our past with us, just like the Stoffers.
Order DNA origin analysisStoffer: Where does the name Stoffer come from?
The last name Stoffer is most commonly found in areas of Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria, but is also found in the United States.
The name Stoffer is derived from the Germanic personal name Stoffel, which is derived from the word “Stoff,” which means material or fabric. This likely indicates that a bearer of the last name Stoffer was historically a maker or seller of cloth, fabrics, or materials.
In Germany, the number of Stoffers has been steadily declining since the 18th century. However, many Germans with the last name still live in the state of Baden-Wurttemburg, near the city of Stuttgart.
The Netherlands also has a high concentration of Stoffers, with many living in North Holland and regions of Zeeland. The last name is also present in Friesland, Oost-Vlaland, and Limburg.
The last name Stoffer is also common in the United States, mainly concentrated in New York, California, and Pennsylvania. Many German immigrants to the US brought the last name with them when they arrived.
Overall, the last name Stoffer is scattered throughout many countries, as a result of hundreds of years of emigration from Germany and the Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Stoffer
The surname Stoffer is believed to have two main spelling variants, Stofer and Stauffer. It is thought to originate from an ancient German surname and has several regional variants, depending on which country or area it is found in.
In Germany and Holland, the name is commonly spelled Stauffer, which likely comes from the German word ‘Stau’, which means a wooden post or stake.
In the United States, it is more commonly spelled Stofer, which is thought to come from the German word ‘Stoff’, meaning cloth or material. It is likely that those with the name are descended from weavers or tailors.
Additionally, the name can be found spelled as Stoffel or Staufel. There are also several different surnames which have the same origin. Some of these include Staufferl, Stauffen, Stofferl, and Stovall, to name a few.
Depending on the spelling variation, the surname Stoffer can be found all over the world. It is thought to have German and Dutch origins, but it has spread to the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. It is likely that those with the name are descended from the same ancestral roots.
Famous people with the name Stoffer
- Elisabeth Stoffer: Austrian singer
- Ridur Stoffer: Norwegian politician
- Henning Stoffer: Danish film and television actor
- Christian Stoffer: Austrian entrepreneur and former world-record holding paraglider
- Gerda Stoffer: Danish politician
- John Stoffer: American lawyer and politician
- William Stoffer: Australian professional rugby league footballer
- Erik L. Stoffer: American jihadist fighter
- Helene Stoffer: Danish gymnast
- Michele Stoffer: American professional triathlete