Surname Kaufman - Meaning and Origin

Unearthing Ancestral Pathways: The Cultural and Historical Discovery of the Kaufman Surname via the iGENEA DNA Test

After receiving my iGENEA DNA test results, I embarked on a journey tracing the lineage of my surname, Kaufman. The results took me back through time, revealing a deep historical connection to Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe and a rich tapestry of migration, perseverance, and resilience.

A. Kaufman

Kaufman: What does the surname Kaufman mean?

The last name Kaufman is of German origin and means "merchant" or "trader." It is derived from the Middle High German term "koufman" or "koufmann," which in turn comes from "koufen," meaning "to buy." This surname was traditionally given to individuals involved in trading or merchandising goods, signifying their profession. Therefore, if someone was named Kaufman, it would imply that the person or their ancestors were likely engaged in some form of trade or business. This is similar to other occupational surnames, like Smith, referring to a blacksmith, or Baker, indicating a person who bakes.

Kaufman: Where does the name Kaufman come from?

The last name Kaufman is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German term "koufmann" which means a merchant or trader. Thus, the surname often belonged to individuals involved in trading or business during the medieval period. The variation in spelling such as Kaufmann, Kaufman, and Caufman exist due to regional differences and historical spellings.

Today, Kaufman is a common surname in Germany and is also prevalent in the United States due to the significant German immigration over the centuries. In the US, its frequency is concentrated especially in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. Additionally, the surname Kaufman has spread to other countries across the globe due to migration and diaspora movements, including places like Canada, the UK, South Africa, and Israel. In the latter, it is one of the common Ashkenazi Jewish surnames.

Variations of the surname Kaufman

The surname Kaufman has its origins in German-speaking regions and carries the meaning of a merchant or "buyer". It is primarily used in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and by Jews of Ashkenazic heritage. There are several variants and derivations of this surname based on regional differences, transliterations, and phonetic spellings.

Kaufman can also be spelled as Kaufmann, Kauffman, Kaufmann, Kauffmann, and in some instances Coffman or Cofman. These alternatives mostly indicate slight differences in pronunciation. Kaufmann or Kauffmann, with a double n at the end, is more common in Germany and Austria, while Kaufman or Kauffman is standard in Switzerland and among Ashkenazic Jews.

Surname derivations that fit within the broader Kaufman family might also include Kauf, Kaufer, Kaufner, and Kauff. These versions typically indicate an occupation related to buying, trading or merchandise.

In some cases, name changes could have occurred upon immigration to non-German-speaking countries, so Kaufman could also potentially appear under phonetically similar surnames in English or other languages.

Famous people with the name Kaufman

• Andy Kaufman: American comedian, actor, and performance artist.
• Bob Kaufman: American Beat poet.
• Bel Kaufman: American novelist, short story writer, and educator.
• Irving Kaufman: American singer and composer.
• Phil Kaufman: American film director and producer.
• Lloyd Kaufman: American filmmaker, publisher, and actor.
• Bruce Kaufman: American politician and civil rights activist.
• Paul Kaufman: American jazz guitarist.
• George S. Kaufman: American playwright, theatre director, and producer.
• Steve Kaufman: American painter, sculptor, and three-time World Champion flat-picking guitarist.
• Pauline Kael: American critic and film historian.
• Fred G. Kaufman: American author and musician.
• Tom Kaufman: American theater producer, director, writer, and actor.
• Peter Kaufman: American film producer and production designer.
• Ivan Kaufman: American real estate investor and developer.
• Doris Kaufman: Israeli translator and writer.
• Max Kaufman: American actor and songwriter.
• Ned Kaufman: American theatre artist specializing in extended and immersive performance.
• Jeff Kaufman: American actor, comedian, and writer.
• Michael Kaufman: American composer of contemporary classical music.

Other surnames

KaufmannKaufmehl