Surname Theuerkauf - Meaning and Origin
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Theuerkauf: What does the surname Theuerkauf mean?
Theuerkauf is a surname most commonly found among German-speaking people. The literal translation of the name is “purchase of a thing,” which potentially refers to an ancestor involved in the buying and selling of goods or land, such as a merchant. The word itself is composed of two German words: “theuer” meaning “expensive” and “Kauf” meaning “purchase.”
The Theuerkauf name is fairly common in Germany, and can be found in other countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and parts of the Czech Republic. It is also less common in the United States, although people with Theuerkauf ancestry can be found in cities with a high population of German-Americans, such as Milwaukee and Pittsburgh.
The Theuerkauf family has a long and proud history. Historians believe that their roots stem back to the Middle Ages, during the time of the Hanseatic League. This powerful economic and defensive alliance of free cities was located around what is now the Baltic Sea region. The Theuerkauf family was likely among the merchants and tradesmen who formed the basis of this powerful group.
Theuerkauf can represent a variety of different people, but all sharing the common ancestry of bravery, hard work, and commerce. No matter the country, the proud members of the Theuerkauf family have made their mark throughout history and continue to do so to this day.
Order DNA origin analysisTheuerkauf: Where does the name Theuerkauf come from?
Theuerkauf is a German surname that is most common today in Germany. It is derived from the Middle High German term "thurcouwe" and was initially given to cattle traders in Upper Franconia. The root word translates literally to "cattle buy", or "buy of cattle" and is derived from the words "celer" meaning cattle and "kouwe" meaning purchase.
Theuerkauf is found in other countries, such as the United States, France, and Switzerland, as many German immigrants moved to these areas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Within Germany, the surname can be found in various regions, including Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Thüringen. The name is also well represented in Westphalia, the city of Münster, and the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.
Theuerkauf is still a relatively common surname today, and with an estimated 20,000 individuals in Germany bearing the name, it is one of the top 20 most common family names in the country. While the name is more concentrated in its historical place of origin, it remains quite widespread. It likely has spread to other areas due to intermarriage and migration throughout the years.
Variations of the surname Theuerkauf
Theuerkauf is a German-based surname that has evolved through various spellings over the centuries. While the original form of the name was Theuerkauf, variations of the name include Tuerkauf, Tueerkauff, Teurkauf, Teurckauff, Tuerckauff, Taerkauf, Teurckauff, Thierkauff, Thieerkauf, Thielkauf, Thielkauff, Thirkauf, Thirkauff, and Thuerckauf.
In some cases, the name has been Americanized, with American versions including Turkoff, Tarkoff, and Thirkoff. There may also be alternative spellings in other languages as the surname has spread around the world.
Theuerkauf is considered to be an occupational surname, derived from the German word “theuer,” meaning expensive. It likely referred to a merchant or trader who dealt in expensive wares or luxury goods. The name could also be an alternative spelling of the German words “tuer,” meaning door, and “kauf,” meaning purchase, and thus could refer to a doorkeeper or gate-keeper.
Over time, Theuerkauf became a surname that was passed down from generation to generation. Many of those who adopted it as their family name eventually spread around the world, resulting in the various spellings and name variants.
Famous people with the name Theuerkauf
- Tom Theuerkauf- A voice actor known for his work in English-language adaptations of Japanese anime, video games, and films such as Digimon Adventure tri, Akame ga Kill!, and Seraph of the End.
- Jens Theuerkauf- A German aeronautical engineer and former CEO and chairman of the board of Airbus, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers.
- Rolf Theuerkauf- A German film and television actor who appeared in such films as Das Wunder des Fliegens, %%Wohin in St. Petersburg%% and Der große König und sein bescheidener Freund.
- Martin Theuerkauf- A German director and screenwriter who has been producing and directing music videos, feature films, and commercials for the past twenty years.
- Ernst Theuerkauf- A German mathematician, professor, and writer who wrote several books on number theory and other mathematical topics.
- Fred Theuerkauf- A US Air Force colonel who, as a member of the Joint Task Force:- Arctic Rescue (JTF-AR), was instrumental in the recovery of downed aviator, Corporal Ivan "Chip" Peirce, in Greenland following a 1965 incident.
- Ansgar Theuerkauf- An award-winning German sculptor and professor who has been creating impressive works in bronze, stone, and other materials for more than 40 years.
- Helene Theuerkauf- A German opera singer and cabaret artist who rose to prominence during World War II as a soloist in the Berlin State OperaCompany.
- Jörg Theuerkauf- A German entrepreneur and former Chiefs of Staff member of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.
- Carsten Theuerkauf- An advanced medical professional in the German Air Force and currently head of the Institute for Military Medicine in Munich.