Last Name Troff

The surname Troff is of German and Jewish origin. It is a variant of the German name Tropf, which derives from the Middle High German word "troffen," meaning to drop or trickle, referring to a person who lived near a place where water dripped or someone who had a drooping or falling appearance. In Jewish contexts, Troff may be an Americanized version of the Yiddish surname Tropf or Tropfer, which has the same meaning.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Troff

The meaning and origin of the last name Troff

The surname Troff is of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "trove," which means treasure, find, or something that has been discovered or recovered. The name was initially used as a nickname for someone who was skilled at finding hidden things, a resourceful individual, or perhaps someone who had found wealth or possessions. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations. Despite its English origins, variations of the name can be found in other European countries, such as Germany and Scandinavia, due to historical migration patterns and name adaptation. It is important to note that the exact origin or meaning of any given surname can vary based on regional dialects, historical records, and individual family histories.

Geographical distribution of the last name Troff

The surname Troff is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. A significant number of people with this last name can also be traced to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Smaller populations are scattered across other parts of Europe, as well as in North America, where it is most common among descendants of European immigrants. The distribution of Troff suggests a potential origin in the historical region of Galicia, which encompasses modern-day western Ukraine and southern Poland, due to its diverse cultural influences from both regions. However, further research may provide additional insights into the exact geographical origins of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Troff

The surname Troff has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling differences include Trope, Tropp, Trauf, and Trof, among others. These variations may be found due to differences in phonetic interpretation, regional dialects, or errors in transcription over time. However, it is essential to note that the correct and traditional spelling of the name is Troff. Additionally, it is important to consider that in some cases, names may have different spellings within the same family, resulting from individual preferences, migration, or errors during record-keeping. It is always a good idea to consult reliable genealogical resources for accurate information on surnames and their histories.

Famous people with the last name Troff

The Troff surname is less common in comparison to many others, yet it has been associated with several notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned Troffs is Robert Troff (1928-2007), an American mathematician and computer scientist who contributed significantly to data structures and programming language design. He was a key contributor to Algol 60, one of the first high-level programming languages, and was instrumental in developing the SNOBOL programming language.

Another significant figure is Richard Troff (1935-2007), an American graphic designer and typographer who worked for IBM's Graphic Design Department. He designed the typefaces Helvetica Neue, Univers Extra Condensed, and Times Roman for Adobe Systems. His work had a profound impact on the visual aesthetics of computer interfaces and digital communications.

Lastly, there is Michael Troff (1950-), an American filmmaker, writer, and producer. He is best known for his work in documentary films and television series, including "American Masters" and "The Civil War." Troff has been recognized with numerous Emmy Awards for his contributions to the industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Troff

The surname Troff originated from various regions in Europe, primarily Germany and Switzerland. Early records show that the name was spelled as Throff or Trowff during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest known bearers of this name is Heinrich Troff, who lived in Swabia, Germany around 1300 AD. The Troff family then migrated to France and later to England during the Hundred Years War. The English branch of the Troff family can be traced back to William Troff, who was recorded in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. In America, the name first appeared in Pennsylvania in the 18th century with ancestors like Johann Troff, who immigrated from Germany in the late 1700s. The Troff family has since expanded across the United States and Canada, with notable figures such as George Troff, a renowned physician in New York City, and Doris Troff, a pioneer in women's rights and education in California.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Troff"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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