Last Name Skoff

The last name Skoff is of German and Jewish origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone who was lively, boisterous, or talkative, derived from the Middle High German word "schoff" meaning loud or noisy. In some cases, it may also be of Yiddish origin, from the word "schaf," which means sheep, referring to a shepherd. In other instances, it could potentially have been a habitational name for someone from a place called Schaffen in Germany. As with many surnames, it's important to note that the specific origin of a particular family's name can vary depending on factors such as regional variations and historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Skoff

The meaning and origin of the last name Skoff

The surname Skoff is of Jewish origin, specifically from Ashkenazi Jews, who are primarily of Eastern European descent. The name is believed to be an occupational or nickname surname, derived from the Yiddish word "skof," meaning "shoemaker." It's possible that individuals with this surname may have been shoemakers or were known for a particular skill related to shoe-making in their communities. The surname Skoff has variants such as Schkopf, Schkop, and Schockfeltz, which may also be found in records. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the name have evolved due to various factors, including migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Skoff

The last name Skoff is predominantly of Eastern European Jewish origin, with significant concentrations in Poland and other countries that were once part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, such as Ukraine and Belarus. A notable diaspora also exists in Israel due to historical migration patterns. In the United States, a significant number of people with the surname Skoff can be found in states with high Jewish populations like New York and California. Smaller communities are present in other countries where Eastern European Jews have settled, such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Skoff

The surname Skoff has several variations and spellings. Some common variants include Schoef, Schoeff, Schoff, Scof, Scuff, and Schaff. These variations may arise from differences in transcription, regional dialects, or family lineages over time. It is also possible that some of these variations are the result of surname metathesis, a process where the sounds in a name switch places, such as in the case of "Scof" and "Schof". Regardless of the spelling, they all originated from the same Germanic root word, which likely means "shepherd", though this etymology is not definitive for all variations.

Famous people with the last name Skoff

The Skoff family is notable for producing several distinguished individuals in various fields. One of the most recognized is Marilyn Skoff, an American actress and singer who gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in films such as "The Sound of Music" and "West Side Story." Another prominent figure is Dr. David Skoff, a renowned psychologist known for his research on child development and family dynamics. He has authored numerous books on these topics and has been featured in several publications, including The New York Times and Psychology Today. Additionally, the Skoff name is associated with sports through Robert Skoff, a professional baseball player who played for teams like the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres during his career in Major League Baseball. These are some of the well-known individuals bearing the surname Skoff, demonstrating their diverse contributions to entertainment, academia, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Skoff

The Skoff surname originates from eastern Europe, specifically Poland and Russia, where it is thought to have been originally derived from the Polish word "szkof," meaning bishop. Over time, it underwent various alterations as families migrated, such as Schoff, Schaff, and Skovf in different regions. In the United States, the name was primarily found among Jewish immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable concentrations in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Harry Skoff, a violinist and composer, and Lola Skoff, a writer and artist. Genealogical research continues to uncover more information about the Skoff family lineage and their diverse history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Skoff"
• 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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