Last Name Hofer

The surname Hofer is of German origin. It derives from the Old High German Hof (meaning "courtyard" or "yard"), and was originally an occupational name for a person who lived on a courtyard or yard. Over time, it could also have been used as a topographical name for someone living near such a place. The name is common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hofer

The meaning and origin of the last name Hofer

The surname Hofer, derived from the German word "Hof" which means "courtyard" or "yard," is a common name in Central Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. It is an occupational name for someone who worked at the manor's courtyard or a nickname for someone who lived near such a yard. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was first used as a personal name. Over time, as people migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the surname emerged, such as Hoffer, Hofner, and Höffner. Today, the Hofer family can be found not only in Germany and Austria but also in other parts of Europe and the Americas due to historical migrations and settlement patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hofer

The surname Hofer is predominantly found in Central Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, where it originated. It is most concentrated in Bavaria, the southern German state, as well as in Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and Salzburg regions of Austria. The name also appears in significant numbers in Switzerland, with a notable cluster in the canton of St. Gallen. Smaller groups bearing the Hofer surname can be found in neighboring countries like Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovenia, reflecting historical migration patterns within Central Europe. The diaspora includes communities in North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily due to emigration waves from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hofer

The surname Hofer has various spellings and variations across different regions and languages. Some common spelling variations include Hofner, Hoeffer, Hoffer, Hoffar, Hoeffler, Hoefflin, Hofflin, Hoefflaender, Hoffelder, and others. These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or changes over time in spelling conventions. Additionally, the name could also be found as Hofir, Hoferre, or even Hoofher in less common instances, reflecting its origins in Germanic languages. It is important to note that these variations may have different distributions and frequencies depending on geographical location and historical context.

Famous people with the last name Hofer

Notable individuals with the surname Hofer include Johann Joseph von Hofer (1792-1874), an Austrian architect and urban planner who designed buildings such as the Karlskirche and Schottentor in Vienna, and the Wiener Hofburg. Another famous Hofer is Eduard Hofer (1863-1940), a Swiss painter known for his landscapes and still lifes. In modern times, there is Thomas Hofer (born 1967), a German politician who served as the leader of The Republicans from 2005 to 2009. Lastly, Peter Hofer (born 1948) is an Austrian-American mathematician and computer scientist best known for his work on computational complexity theory. These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including architecture, art, politics, and mathematics.

Genealogical research on the last name Hofer

The Hofer surname originates from Germany, specifically from the region of Bavaria and Swabia. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German term "hovar," meaning "cabbage gardener." The Hofer family was often associated with agricultural work involving the cultivation of cabbages.

The earliest recorded instance of the Hofer surname can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, around the 13th and 14th centuries. Over time, numerous branches of the Hofer family emerged due to migration and settlement patterns. Some notable branches include the Höffers from Württemberg, the Hofers from Swabia, and the Hoeffers from Bavaria.

The Hofer family migrated to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, including Switzerland, Austria, and France. In later centuries, members of the Hofer family emigrated to North America, particularly to the United States in search of religious freedom and economic opportunities. Today, the Hofer surname is found throughout the world, with significant populations in Germany, the United States, Switzerland, and Austria.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hofer"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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