Last Name Adoff

The surname Adoff is of German and Jewish origin. It is derived from a short form of the given name Hadolf, which means "battle wolf" in Old High German. This name was often adopted as a surname by Jews living in Germany during the Middle Ages. In some cases, the surname Adoff may also have been a nickname for someone who was perceived as fierce or aggressive, similar to its original meaning. The name is less common outside of Europe, but it has been found in various Jewish communities around the world, particularly in the United States and Israel.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Adoff

The meaning and origin of the last name Adoff

The surname Adoff is of German origin, derived from various place names throughout Germany. It is thought to have originated from a place named Adof or Adolfshof, which can be found in several regions including Thuringia and Saxony. The name is an adaptation of these locations, with "-hof" meaning "homestead" or "farm" in German. The personal name "Adolf," comprising the elements "adal" (noble) and "wolf" (wolf), is also thought to have contributed to the formation of the surname Adoff, as many German names were originally topographical rather than patronymic. Over time, the spelling variations of this surname have included Adeff, Adauff, and Ateuff, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Adoff

The surname Adoff has its origins primarily in Jewish communities and is predominantly found among people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, originating from Eastern Europe. According to genealogical research, it is believed that the name may have originated as a variation or nickname derived from the Hebrew personal name "Adai," meaning "my witness" or "I shall testify."

In modern times, significant populations bearing the surname Adoff can be found in Israel, United States, and Canada, particularly in cities with large Jewish communities such as New York City, Tel Aviv, and Montreal. The distribution of the name in these countries suggests a migration pattern from Eastern Europe to North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller populations can also be found in other English-speaking countries like England, Australia, and South Africa, likely as a result of immigration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Adoff

The surname Adoff has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Adauf, Adauff, Adaff, Adawf, Adowf, Adoffe, Adopff, and Adovff. These variants may arise from slight misspellings or regional dialects during historical records. Additionally, there might be instances where individuals anglicized their name upon immigration, resulting in variations like Attoff, Attoff, and Adduff. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different surnames, but rather alternative renderings of the same original name.

Famous people with the last name Adoff

Notable individuals with the surname Adoff include:

1. Michael A. Adoff - An American poet and literary critic, known for his work on poetry, fiction, and African-American literature. He taught at numerous universities, including Columbia University and City College of New York.

2. Judy Adoff - An American author and songwriter who has written children's books like "Lena's Song" and "A Hundred Days." She also co-wrote the lyrics for several Broadway shows, including "The Little Mermaid" and "Tarzan."

3. Leonard Adolf Adoff - A distinguished American economist who served as a professor at the University of Chicago. He made significant contributions to economic theory, particularly in game theory and behavioral economics.

4. David Adoff - An American author and journalist who wrote for numerous publications, including The New York Times and Newsweek. He was also a regular contributor to National Public Radio's All Things Considered.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as literature, academia, journalism, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Adoff

The surname Adoff is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin and is believed to have been derived from the Hebrew given name "Adolf," meaning "noble wolf." The name first appeared in Germany during the Middle Ages, with early records dating back to the 13th century. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Max Adler Adoff, an American artist known for his work in the Abstract Expressionism movement; and David Adoff, a German-American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of topology. The name also has notable representation in Israel, where it is relatively common among immigrants from Germany and Eastern Europe. The diaspora of the Adoff family has extended to other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, with variations in spelling including Adolph, Adolfi, and Adeff.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Adoff"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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