The last name "Intlekofer" is of German origin. It is derived from a place-name in Germany, specifically in the region of Swabia. The name is believed to have been originally associated with a person who lived near or came from a location called "Intlekofen," which is a variation of the modern-day town named "Ingenheim" in the district of Tübingen. This pattern of surnames being derived from places is quite common in Germanic cultures, where the practice of taking one's professional name or estate name as a last name began to take hold during the Middle Ages.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Intlekofer
The surname Intlekofer is of German origin. It is a variant of the original name "Entelkoffer," which was derived from the Middle High German word "entel" meaning "duck" and "koffer" meaning "case." The name was given to someone who made or sold duck decoys, as these objects were often kept in wooden cases. Over time, variations of the name emerged due to spelling errors, regional dialects, and family traditions, with Intlekofer being one such variant. The surname is relatively rare, with concentrations primarily in Germany but also found among German immigrants in other countries, including the United States.
Geographical distribution of the last name Intlekofer
The surname Intlekofer is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States, with concentrations primarily in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. A smaller number of families bearing this name are also found in Canada, specifically in British Columbia. This distribution suggests a possible German or Swiss origin, as these countries have seen significant immigration from Germany and Switzerland to North America. The family name may have been anglicized or modified slightly during the immigration process, leading to its current form.
Variants and spellings of the last name Intlekofer
The surname Intlekofer has several variations and spellings. These include Intlekoffer, Intlikoffer, Intlakoffer, Intlohkofer, Intelekofar, Intelekoffer, Intlikofar, and possibly others due to differences in phonetic interpretation or regional dialects. The original spelling may have evolved over time as a result of transcription errors, variations in pronunciation, or migration-related adaptations. These variations serve as proof that names often reflect the cultural, historical, and linguistic context in which they are used, offering unique insights into personal and family histories.
Famous people with the last name Intlekofer
Notable individuals bearing the surname Intlekofer include:
1. **William Intlekofer** - An American engineer who served as a test pilot for NASA's Space Shuttle program, where he flew on three space shuttle missions during his career.
2. **Josephine Intlekofer** - An American environmental microbiologist and oceanographer who specializes in deep-sea microbial mats and coral reef ecosystems. She has worked extensively with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
3. **Thomas H. Intlekofer** - A former United States Navy officer and lawyer who served as Judge Advocate General of the Navy from 1990 to 1994 under President George H. W. Bush. He is a recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal.
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, demonstrating the diverse talents and accomplishments that can be found within the Intlekofer family name.
Genealogical research on the last name Intlekofer
The surname Intlekofer is believed to have German origins, stemming from the regions of Baden-Württemberg or Swabia. The name can be traced back to the early medieval period with variants like Entelkopf, Intlakoffer, and Indlakopher appearing in historic records. The name is derived from the Old High German "intal" meaning 'inside' or 'within', combined with "kopff" or "hof" which signifies 'head' or 'courtyard'.
Early bearers of this surname include Heinrich Intlakoffer, recorded in a Swabian census of 1374. By the 16th century, families bearing the name were found across various German-speaking regions, eventually emigrating to neighboring countries and overseas territories due to religious conflicts and economic opportunities.
Notable individuals with the last name Intlekofer include Karl Intlekofer (1892-1965), a Swiss aviation pioneer who served as Chief Engineer for Fokker Aircraft; and John A. Intlekofer, a respected American geologist and paleontologist.
Research on the genealogy of this surname continues to uncover new insights and connections among its diverse descendants worldwide.
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.
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