Surname Giffhorn - Meaning and Origin
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Giffhorn: What does the surname Giffhorn mean?
The last name Giffhorn is a German surname with a likely origin in the Middle Ages. The origin of the name itself is uncertain, but there are a few possibilities. One possibility is that it is a variant of the Germanic personal name "Kifhar," which roughly translates as "fierce warrior." Another possible origin is that it is a variant of the Middle Low German name "Gifhorn," meaning "lively youth."
The name Giffhorn is most commonly found in northern Germany, especially in the states of Lower Saxony and Hamburg. It is often associated with the town of Gifhorn, which is located north of Brunswick in Lower Saxony. During the 1700s and 1800s, many Giffhorn families emigrated from Germany to the United States, and today it is a relatively common name in the United States, particularly in the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
The Giffhorn surname is commonly found in German records dating back as far as the 16th century, indicating it has a long history. Today, it is a respected surname and has become a popular choice for many German immigrants to the United States. It is also sometimes seen in variation as Gibbhorn, Giffen, Gifford, and Gifhorn.
Order DNA origin analysisGiffhorn: Where does the name Giffhorn come from?
The last name Giffhorn is most commonly found in the countries of Germany and the United States.
In Germany, the last name Giffhorn pops up often in the southern region of Bavaria, as well as other regions such as Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg.
In the United States, Giffhorn is mainly found in the Midwest and the south. It is most common in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, in that order. Other states where the last name can be found include Minnesota, New York, Virginia, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Nevada.
Since the last name is German in origin, it is likely that the highest concentration of Giffhorns were among German immigrants who arrived in America during 19th century. They likely chose to settle in areas where there were already other German immigrants, and where they could find work in industries they were familiar with such as agriculture and crafts.
In addition to the United States and Germany, the last name can also be found in other parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, and countries in Europe.
Overall, Giffhorn is a relatively uncommon name in modern times, though its presence can be felt mainly in Germany and the United States.
Variations of the surname Giffhorn
The surname Giffhorn has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Common variants include Giffhorne, Giffhorner, Geffhorne, Geffhorn, Geffhorne, Geffhorner, Geifhorn and Gaeffhorne. All of these variants are typically derived from a medieval form of the surname, which has Dutch and German origins.
Giffhorn is derived from the old High German name Gifhrot, which is a combination of two words: Gif meaning gift, and hrot meaning fierce or ready. This suggests that the original bearer was a fierce warrior who was known for his courage and valor. Over the centuries, the name evolved in various countries and regions to become the variants listed above.
In the Netherlands, Giffhorn is spelled Gifhoren. In Germany, it might be spelled Gifhorn or Gifhorne. In Switzerland, it could be spelled Geifhorn, Gaefhorne, or Gaeffhorne. In France, the spelling is Geofforn or Jefforn. In England, it is spelled Giffhorne, Giffhorner, Geffhorne, Geffhorn, Geffhorne, Geffhorner, Geifhorn and Gaeffhorne.
Each of these variants have been used as surnames throughout Europe. The name is most commonly associated with Germany, although it was likely used in other countries such as the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and England. It is also possible that the surname has roots in other countries.
Overall, the surname Giffhorn is quite versatile and adaptable, with multiple spellings and variants used over the years in several different countries and regions.
Famous people with the name Giffhorn
- Klaus Giffhorn: German actor and writer
- Bruno Giffhorn: German actor and director best remembered for directing more than 200 episodes of the German television series 'Die Schwarzwaldklinik'
- Heinrich Giffhorn: German architect based in Berlin and best known for his design of the Gewandhaus in Leipzig
- Georg Giffhorn: German classical music composer who wrote several piano concertos and lieder
- Werner Giffhorn: German actor and screenwriter who wrote the television movie 'Der Mann aus dem Eis'
- Edith Giffhorn: German businesswoman and television presenter
- Dietmar Giffhorn: German journalist and chairman of Hamburg SSH, the public television station of Hamburg
- Paul Giffhorn: German actor best known for his performances in the musicals 'Abelsson' and 'Liliencron in Breslau'
- Anne Giffhorn: German writer and television presenter
- Johanna Giffhorn: German actor and director who performed on stage and appeared in several films, including 'Das Ende der Hose' and 'Frauen im Garten'.