Last Name Egelhoff

The surname Egelhoff is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German term "Egil" which means eagle and "hof" meaning court or estate. Therefore, Egelhoff would have originally referred to someone who lived on an estate associated with an eagle. As with many surnames, its spelling has evolved over time due to variations in transcription and translation, leading to different versions of the name in modern times.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Egelhoff

The meaning and origin of the last name Egelhoff

The surname Egelhoff is of German origin, deriving from a place name or topographical reference. It is believed to have been originally associated with a specific location named "Egilshof" in medieval Germany. The name is composed of two Old High German elements: "Egilo," a personal name derived from the element "egil," meaning "boar-fighter" or "edge-fighter," and "-hof," denoting a farmstead or courtyard. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have evolved due to various linguistic influences and migration patterns, resulting in various regional variations such as Egelhoff, Eglhoff, Egloff, etc.

Geographical distribution of the last name Egelhoff

The surname Egelhoff is predominantly distributed in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is most concentrated in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, reflecting potential German or Swiss-German origins due to historical migration patterns from those regions. In Canada, it is primarily found in Ontario and British Columbia. The name also appears in smaller numbers in Australia and Germany, likely as a result of emigration from the U.S. and Canada. While the distribution varies, the highest frequency of the surname Egelhoff is observed within these geographical areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Egelhoff

The surname Egelhoff has several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variants include Aegelhof, Eigelhoff, Eigelhof, Eckelhoff, Egolf, and Egloff. These variations may stem from differences in spelling conventions over time or errors in translation from German to English. Additionally, some individuals may have chosen to alter their surname slightly for personal reasons or assimilation into a new culture. It is important to note that while these variations exist, the original pronunciation of the name likely rhymes with "aegle-off."

Famous people with the last name Egelhoff

Notable individuals with the surname Egelhoff include:

1. Tom Egelhoff, an American author and speaker who focuses on personal finance, real estate, and lifestyle topics. He has written for numerous publications and is the author of several books.
2. David Egelhoff, an American musician known for his work as a songwriter, composer, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He has collaborated with various artists across diverse genres and is also a music educator.
3. Lance Egelhoff, an American football player who played defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, and New York Giants during the 1980s and early 1990s. He was a second-round draft pick by the Chiefs in 1982.
4. Susan Egelhoff, an American artist who creates sculptures using glass, metal, wood, and other materials. She is known for her abstract and geometric pieces, often incorporating mirrors into her work to reflect light and space.
5. Tim Egelhoff, an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He has released multiple albums under his own name as well as collaborated with other musicians on various projects.

Genealogical research on the last name Egelhoff

The Egelhoff surname is of German origin and is believed to have been derived from various locations in Germany that bear the same name. One such location is Egelhof, a former village near Marburg, Hesse. The name is thought to be a compound of "Egel" meaning hare or rabbit and "Hof" meaning court or farmstead, suggesting an origin related to a place where hares were common.

The earliest known records of the Egelhoff family in America date back to the 19th century. One of the first recorded immigrants was Friedrich Wilhelm Egelhoff who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1854. The family then spread across various parts of the United States, with significant populations found in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

The Egelhoffs are known to have made significant contributions in various fields, including agriculture, education, and politics. Notable figures include Carl A. Egelhoff, a politician who served as the Governor of North Dakota from 1937 to 1941, and Dr. Elmer W. Egelhoff, a renowned agricultural scientist. The family's genealogy continues to be an active area of research among genealogists and family historians.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Egelhoff"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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