Surname Egloff - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Origins of the Egloff Surname through iGENEA DNA Test Results

The iGENEA DNA test has unearthed fascinating insights about my surname, Egloff, revealing its Germanic roots, migratory patterns, and historical associations. As the test unraveled the intricacies of the R1b haplogroup, I was plunged into a world of community connections, intermarriages, and significant historical events.

C. Egloff

Egloff: What does the surname Egloff mean?

The surname Egloff is a German name meaning “eagle’s peak,” most likely referring to a geographical feature. The origin of the name is rooted in ancient Germanic and Nordic cultures and is retained in many modern areas of Europe. The word egloff generally stems from the Old High German term “agulf” which itself was derived from the Old Norse “auga” which meant “eye” and “hlf” for “peak.”

The surname Egloff is particularly associated with the Germanic areas of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland though the are some outlier occurrences within other countries like the U.S. As a result of its German/Austrian origin, the name is likely held by many descendants of early Germanic immigrants however due to various factors tracing the origin of the name can be difficult.

The name of course would have taken on various connotations to different people based on their geographical location. Originally, it may have functioned as an indicator of origin or geographical area however today, depending on the context, it can signify a variety of things. In today’s age, it is likely recognized as an old, respected name that has a deep family history.

Egloff: Where does the name Egloff come from?

The last name Egloff can be found today primarily throughout Germany and Switzerland. In Germany, it is among the most common surnames in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Berlin, Brandenburg, and Saxony-Anhalt. In Switzerland, it is most represented in Zurich and Aargau.

The origin of the surname Egloff is a Swiss German diminutive form of the name Egli. It is also derived from the Middle High German word ‘egil’, meaning ‘sword’ or ‘edge’, suggesting that bearers of the name were either skilled swordsmen or very important within the community.

It is also possible to find the surname Egloff in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Northwest. It is estimated that over 1,844 American citizens have the surname Egloff, the majority of whom have traced their ancestry back to Germany and Switzerland.

In fact, records show that the first Egloff to immigrate to the United States was Heinrich Egloff, who came to Philadelphia in 1732. Subsequent generations of the family spread across the Midwest and down into Texas, where many of their descendants remain today.

Overall, the last name Egloff is most common in its places of origin, but those who trace their ancestry back to these countries have even made their way across the sea and spread its roots throughout the United States.

Variations of the surname Egloff

The surname Egloff (also spelled Egeloff, Eigeloff, Egelhof, Egehloff, Egehlof, Egelhauff, Egelhöff, Egelhöffel, and Eegloff) is German in origin and can refer to a person who comes from the Egloff region in Hesse, Germany. This surname is traceable back to the 1300s in some parts of Germany. It was likely a habitational name derived from this region.

Variants of this surname may include Eccloff, Aigloff, Eggloff, Aggloff, Aegloff, Iglef, Igeloff, Igloff, and Ygloff. Spellings can also be Anglicized to Egloff, Egeloff, Egelhof, Egehloff, Egehlof, Egelhauff, Egelhöff, Egelhöffel, and Eegloff.

The surname Egloff can be found in various parts of Europe and countries around the world today, including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to name a few. It is also commonly found in South America as increased migration of Germans to this area occurred in the 1800s and continued to this day.

It may also be a topographic name for someone from any of the numerous places in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland bearing this name, derived from Middle High German Egge, meaning “edge” and hof, meaning “enclosure” – essentially the edge of a field or pasture that was enclosed.

Thus, the surname Egloff could refer to an early ancestor who lived next to an enclosed field, muir, or meadow. At this stage, however, the exact origin of the surname is unknown. It could even be an occupational name for a person who cultivated the edge of a field. With its various spellings, variants, and global distribution, the surname Egloff is truly a multifaceted one.

Famous people with the name Egloff

• Hugh Egloff: popular actor who has appeared in films like 'Whiplash' and 'Lovecraft Country'
• Rubin Egloff: hip hop artist signed to Warner Music Group
• Dara Egloff: artist who has exhibited work internationally
• Konrad Egloff: Swiss mountain climber, mountaineering instructor, and expedition leader
• Pierre Egloff: Swiss architect and urban planner
• Robert Egloff: Emmy Award-winning film director and writer
• Marc Egloff − comic book artist, illustrator, and writer
• Bradley Egloff: former professional baseball player
• Alexander Egloff: Swiss sculptor
• Susan Egloff: founder and executive director of CareGivers, a non-profit dedicated to assisting people with developmental disabilities

Other surnames

EglofEgloffsteinEglofstein