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Last Name Von-dorf

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What is the origin of the last name Von-dorf?

The surname "von Dorf" is a German toponymic surname derived from a place named Dorf, which means "village" in German. The prefix "von" is a noble title indicating nobility. This surname may have been first used by someone who lived near or was born in the village of Dorf. As with many surnames, its exact origin may be difficult to trace due to historical record-keeping practices and changes over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Von-dorf

The meaning and origin of the last name Von-dorf

The surname "von Dorf" is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "dorf," meaning 'village' or 'town.' The prefix "von" (of) indicates nobility, suggesting that an individual bearing this surname may have once belonged to the lower or knightly nobility in medieval Germany. In some cases, it could also denote a person who was born or resided near such a village or town. Over time, due to migration and assimilation, people with the surname von Dorf can now be found across Europe, North America, and other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Von-dorf

The surname "von Dorff" is primarily distributed across Germany, where it originates from. It has been noted as one of the oldest and most prominent families in the region of Bavaria. Historically, the name was found among the nobility and the ruling classes, with numerous von Dorffs holding significant political and military roles.

Over time, due to emigration and family dispersal, the surname has also been found in various parts of Europe and North America. In particular, large populations bearing this name can be found in the United States, especially in states such as Texas, California, Illinois, and Wisconsin, reflecting German immigration waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In recent years, smaller communities with a significant number of von Dorffs have also been established in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as families continue to migrate seeking opportunities abroad. Despite this dispersion, the majority of people with the surname "von Dorff" can still trace their ancestry back to the Bavarian region of Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Von-dorf

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Famous people with the last name Von-dorf

Notable individuals bearing the surname von Dorf include:

1. Arnold von Winkelried (1330–1386), a Swiss hero who played a crucial role in the Battle of Sempach, fighting valiantly to protect the Swiss Confederation.
2. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922-2007), an American author and satirist, best known for his novels Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat's Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions. His works often explored themes such as war, free will, and the absurdity of life.
3. Michael von Faulhaber (1869-1952), a German cardinal who served as the Archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1917 until his death in 1952. He was known for his strong anti-Nazi stance during World War II.
4. Fritz von Dardel (1863–1947), a Swedish painter, etcher, and graphic artist who is considered one of the pioneers of modern art in Sweden. His works often depicted landscapes and figures with a sense of melancholy.
5. Friedrich von Thun und Hohenstein (1861-1936), an Austrian diplomat who played a significant role during World War I as chief negotiator for the Central Powers at the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918. He later served as Foreign Minister of Austria between 1920 and 1921.
6. Karl von Frisch (1886–1987), an Austrian ethologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 for his groundbreaking research on the social behavior and communication of bees, particularly their use of "waggle dances" to communicate the location of food sources.

Genealogical research on the last name Von-dorf

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Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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