Surname Kauff - Meaning and Origin
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Kauff: What does the surname Kauff mean?
The German last name Kauff is derived from the word "Kaufmann," meaning "merchant." During the Middle Ages, this name was given to individuals who conducted business as a profession or even as a side job. The name was popular in regions of Germany, where business and trade were common, and was even used in other parts of Europe. It is thought that the name was used to denote successful or respected merchants.
Throughout the centuries, the name Kauff has been used for many different professions, including tradespeople, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and even military personnel. The surname can be found in family histories and records from the early 1700s.
The name Kauff has also been adopted by people in other countries, including those with German ancestry or connections. It is sometimes found in the United States, for example, and also in other parts of Europe, such as the United Kingdom, Austria, and Switzerland.
Kauff is generally thought to be an honorable name and a sign of success. It is the German word for "bargainer," suggesting that those with the name may have a good eye for business and deals. Therefore, people with the last name Kauff are often seen as having business acumen, intelligence, and financial savvy.
Order DNA origin analysisKauff: Where does the name Kauff come from?
The last name Kauff is most often found today in Germany, where it has been present since at least the 18th century. It is more widely dispersed throughout Central and Eastern Europe, including countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, and others. In the United States, the Kauff surname is found in many states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Indiana, California, and others.
In Germany, there are a number of Kauff-related place names, including Kauffmühle, Kauffungen, Kauffmannsland, and Kauffmannshausen. This indicates that the family was likely established in these regions long ago.
Additionally, the Kauff surname can be found in early records dating back to the 16th century. These records come from various places, including Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, and reveal that the family had already settled in these regions long before the 19th century.
In terms of meaning, the Kauff last name is derived from the Middle High German word kouf, which means "shoemaker." It likely referred to a person who was a shoemaker or leather worker in the region, and suggests that the Kauffs were likely attuned to this type of work early on.
Overall, the Kauff last name continues to be fairly common today, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, and is found in many areas with early records indicating that the family has been present for centuries.
Variations of the surname Kauff
The surname Kauff originates from German and Dutch cultures and has many variants. It was derived from the German word Kaff, which means hatchet or axe. The variants for Kauff include Kauffman, Kauffmann, Kaufmann, Koff, Koffman, Koffmann, Koffman, Kuff, Kuf, Kufman, Kufmann, Kuffman, Kauffe and Kaoffe.
The German spelling of the surname is Kauffmann, although the alternate spellings Kauff and Koffmann are also found. In the Netherlands, Kauffmann is a very common spelling. The Dutch versions of the surname are Koffman and Koffmann.
In some early records, the name is spelt Cauffin or Cauffm. Other variations in spelling of the surname in the U.S. include Kauff, Kauffman, Cofman, and Cohffman.
The surnames Kauf and Kaub are also related to Kauff. It is thought that the surnames Kauf and Kaub are derived from the Middle German word "kauben", which means to buy or purchase.
Kauffer, Coyffman, Kawfman, and Koofman are other spellings of the name that are found in the United States. However, the majority of the surname's variations are found in Germany and other regions of Europe.
The surnames Kauf and Kaub are common in the Southern United States, and there are also numerous immigrations of Kauffmans and the spelling variations of the name there.
The surnames are closely related to the German and Dutch word for Hatchet or Axe and also to the Old German word for Builder or Architect, Kofman.
Overall, the surname Kauff is a unique and ancient surname of German and Dutch origin with many variations and spellings, all ultimately related to the Old German word Kaff.
Famous people with the name Kauff
- Richard Kauff: An American comic book artist and illustrator.
- Karin Kauff: Former First Lady of Honduras.
- Matthew Kauffman: Professor at the University of Connecticut and award-winning journalist.
- Kayla Kauffman: American model and fashion designer.
- Reem Kaouk: Lebanese TV host.
- Taylor Kauffman: Professional pitcher in the United States Minor League Baseball.
- Whitney Kauffman: American television writer and producer.
- Braden Kauffman: American film producer and entrepreneur.
- Rebecca Kauffman: Contemporary American novelist.
- Harold Kauffman: American football player.
- Jim Kauffman: American college baseball coach.
- Barbara Kauffman: Canadian voice actress.
- Ken Kauffman: Former NFL linebacker for the Cleveland Browns.
- Ryan Kauffman: Sierra Leonean-American engineer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
- Sym Kauffman: British model and actress.
- Kenneth Kauffman: Canadian politician.
- Dan Kauffman: American film director and editor.
- Allen Kauffman: American Democrat politician from Pennsylvania.
- Karen Kauffman: American librarian and author.
- Chris Kauffman: Former Australian footballer and coach.