Surname Gopfert - Meaning and Origin

Through the Lens of Genetics: A New Perspective on the Gopfert Lineage and Personal Heritage

The iGENEA DNA test has profoundly impacted my view of personal identity and heritage. The venture into the roots of the Gopfert surname, integral to my identity, stirred a newfound respect and appreciation for my lineage. The DNA test, transcending boundaries of human error and subjectivity, allowed me to trace my roots anchored by genetic truths and historical realities.

E. Gopfert

Gopfert: What does the surname Gopfert mean?

The surname Gopfert is a German name that is derived from the Middle High German words "gupfer" meaning "pewter" or "tinsmith" and "hart" meaning "strong". Originally, the name Gopfert was likely given to individuals who were skilled in the craft of metalworking, specifically pewter and tin items, which were popular in regions where the name is found.

Throughout the years, members of the Gopfert family have held numerous important positions in the military, political, and religious realms of German society. Some of the more successful members of the family have even been influential entrepreneurs.

Today, the Gopfert family has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States. Members here continue to find success, particularly in the fields of business and education.

In many ways, the name Gopfert is a symbolic representation of determination and hard work for the many generations that have gone before. Even with the many changes that occur throughout time, the name retains its strong link to tradition and the values of family and craftsmanship at its core.

Gopfert: Where does the name Gopfert come from?

The last name Gopfert is primarily seen in the German-speaking countries of Europe, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland; as of 2020, this name is present in greater concentrations in those countries than anywhere else in the world.

In Germany, the name Gopfert is especially widespread in the regions surrounding the bustling cities of Berlin and Hamburg, while the Bavarian region of Upper Franconia contains the majority of Bavarian bearers of the name. One notable example of the name is Gopfert Damm, a body of water in eastern Germany.

In Switzerland, the name Gopfert is much less common, and generally centers around the cantons of Zurich and Lucerne.

In Austria, the name Gopfert has a fairly consistent presence across the country, mostly being found in the major metropolitan areas and densely populated cities of Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz.

The last name Gopfert is relatively rare outside of the German-speaking world, but it is found in small numbers in the United States, England, and Ireland. Due to a greater rate of emigration from central Europe, particularly during World War II, there are several additional countries with small numbers of Gopferts, including Canada, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Gopfert

Gopfert is a German surname, derived from a short form of the German given name “Gottfried”, meaning “God’s peace”. The modern spelling of Gopfert is found mainly in Germany, though variations on the spelling can be found around the world. Common variants include: Goepfert, Gopferd, Gopffert, Goppfert, Gopfeert, Goepferd, Goeffert, Gopfard and Goeffard. Other surnames linked to the same origin could be Godefroid, Godfree, Godfrey, Goffart, Goffredo and Gottschalk.

Variations on the surname are typically regional, and so can often hint at the geographical origin of an individual or family line. For example, an individual with the name Gopfert may be more likely to be from the German-speaking region of Europe, particularly northern Germany, than someone with the name Goeffart, which is more common in France.

Individuals with the same surname Gopfert may have originated from different regions over time and thus could have different ancestries. For example, someone with the surname Gopfert could have been from Alsace in France in the 18th century, and subsequently moved to Bavaria in Germany in the 19th century, and this could be reflected in their surname.

Famous people with the name Gopfert

• Max Gopfert: German Paralympic athlete who was a member of the athletics team at the 2012 London Paralympics.
• Robert Gopfert: German equestrian who achieved success in several major showjumping competitions in Europe in the 1960’s.
• Thomas Gopfert: German novelist and scriptwriter who wrote the novel, ‘The Bat’, which was adapted for a Hollywood film starring Robert De Niro in 1974.
• Paul Gopfert: American singer-songwriter and musical composer who had a hit single in the 1980's with the song ‘Live Free or Die’.
• Frieda Gopfert: An Austrian print maker and collagist who was a prominent member of the artist colony in the Bavarian city of Wasserburg in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Jan Gopfert: A Slovak ice hockey player who played for his home country's national team from 2008 to 2013, as well as four different professional teams in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
• Martha Gopfert: A German painter and sculptor who is known for her figurative sculptures of figures from classical mythology on a small scale.
• Yvonne Gopfert: A German mezzo soprano opera singer who performed in several productions at the Berlin State Opera from 1989 to 1994 and had several recordings issued on compact disc.
• Johann Gopfert: A leading German figure in the Protestant Church in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a pastor at a church in Berlin and wrote several books on theology.
• Charlotte Gopfert: A German children’s book author from the late 19th century. She wrote several fairy tales and poems which were published in various German magazines and newspapers.

Other surnames

GöpferGöpferich