Surname Gopfauf - Meaning and Origin
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Gopfauf: What does the surname Gopfauf mean?
The last name Gopfauf is generally of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "gopf" meaning "ditch". The "fauf" represents a form of the German verb "fuhren," which means "to guide or lead." It is believed that the name was originally used as a reference to a "guide or leader associated with ditches or channels." It is also possible that the surname was a nickname for a person who worked as a ditch digger or excavator.
The surname Gopfauf is a rare one; it has been found in the United States, primarily in the Midwest, since the early 19th century. However, it can still be found in Germany and the German speaking countries of Switzerland and Austria today.
These days, the name is often found in a broader German-American context. In continental Europe, the name is more common and has been anglicized as Godfather, Goffar, or Goatface; in America, it continues to be largely German.
In general, Gopfauf is a unique and interesting name, with a strong German heritage. It may appear to be a modern invention, but the name's roots date back centuries and have a clear meaning - "guide or leader associated with ditches or channels."
Order DNA origin analysisGopfauf: Where does the name Gopfauf come from?
The last name Gopfauf is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the states of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. The Gopfauf surname is believed to be of German origin, derived from the Old High German words "gouf" and "fouf," which mean "cave" and "meadow" respectively.
In addition to its presence in Germany, the Gopfauf surname can also be found in parts of Croatia, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. There are also members of the Gopfauf family living in Europe and North America, which suggests that the surname may have been taken abroad when people emigrated from Central Europe at different points in history.
In the United States, the Gopfauf surname is relatively uncommon. The most common states where it is found are Illinois, which is home to 109 Gopfauf families, as well as Texas, New York, California, and Wisconsin. Interestingly, Gopfauf is also the name of a street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which suggests that the surname was brought to the US at some stage.
Overall, the surname Gopfauf appears to primarily be located in Central Europe, although there are also Gopfauf families living in other parts of Europe and North America.
Variations of the surname Gopfauf
Gopfauf is a German surname. Alternate spellings of this surname include Gopffau, Gopfhau, Gopffah, Gopfhah, Gophfau and Gophfah.
There are also variants of the name based on other languages and cultures, including Gopfap, Gopfauf, and Gopffauf in Austria; Gopfau, Gopffau, Gopffah, Gopffauf, Gopflaufen, Gophfah, Gophfauf in Germany; Jopfau in Hungary; Goplauf in Poland; and Jopffauf in Romania.
Some other surnames that can be traced back to Gopfauf are Gopf, Gopfer, Gopff, Goph, Gopferich, Gopfert, Gophamer, Gopferle, and Gopfermann.
In some cases Gopfauf is a spelling variation of Goppfau, which is derived from the Middle High German word “Gopp” meaning ‘man’ and “faw” meaning ‘field’. This combination translates to ‘man from the field’, a fitting name for someone who hailed from a rural working class background.
Other variants of Gopfauf include Gopfhuber, Gopfhobel, Gopfhofer and Gopfman. These are all variants of the name derived from Middle High German, as well.
Gopfhuber comes from “Gopp” meaning ‘man’ and “hube” meaning ‘a chamberlain or higher rank of steward’. Gopfhobel is derived from “Gopp” meaning ‘man’ and “hobel” meaning ‘to pull’. Gopfhofer is derived from “Gopp” meaning ‘man’ and “hofa” meaning ‘a court’. Lastly, Gopfman is derived from “Goph” meaning ‘man’ and “mann” meaning ‘man’.
In conclusion, Gopfauf is a German surname and there are many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin due to variations in language and culture. Some of these surnames include Gopf, Gopfer, Gopff, Goph, Gopferich, Gopfert, Gophamer, Gopferle, Gopfermann, Gopfap, Gopfauf, Gopffau, Gopffah, Gopffauf, Gopflaufen, Gophfah and Gophfauf.
Famous people with the name Gopfauf
- Aubrey Gopfauf, a former college basketball player
- Lauren Gopfauf, a professional swimmer
- Joe Gopfauf, a former professional figure skater
- Iggy Gopfauf, an American football player
- Hans Gopfauf, a former professional tennis player
- Sarah Gopfauf, a professional golfer
- Amanda Gopfauf, a former figure skater
- Emmett Gopfauf, a former professional football player
- Polly Gopfauf, an Olympic hurdler
- Tyler Gopfauf, a former college basketball player
- Burt Gopfauf, a professional baseball player
- Pamela Gopfauf, a former rhythmic gymnast
- Gregory Gopfauf, a former marathon runner
- Stephanie Gopfauf, a former Olympic swimmer
- Jerry Gopfauf, a professional wrestler
- André Gopfauf, a former professional tennis player
- John Gopfauf, a former athlete and coach
- Gebhard Gopfauf, a former professional soccer player
- Austin Gopfauf, a basketball player at the University of Wisconsin
- Lucy Gopfauf, a former BMX rider