Surname Kaefer - Meaning and Origin

Kaefer: What does the surname Kaefer mean?

The last name Kaefer is of German origin and can be found in a wide variety of records of people who lived in Germany. The literal meaning of the name Kaefer is “beetle” or “bug” and variants may also be found spelled as “Kafer”, “Käfer”, “Kefer”, “Kaefers” and “Kafers”.

The name Kaefer is often believed to have come about as a nickname surname given to somebody that looked or acted like a beetle or bug. It may also have developed from an occupational surname given to somebody involved in beetle cultivation, beetle trading or beetle catching.

The surname Kaefer is still prevalent in Germany today and can be found in several German states, particularly Lower Saxony and Rhineland-Palatinate. A more recent example of the surname in Germany includes Markus Käfer, a cantor at St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt.

Overall, the last name Kaefer is an interesting surname and can provide an insight not only into past occupational life but also nickname surnames based on looks and behaviour. Those with the last name Kaefer can be proud to know the origins and true meaning of their family’s name.

Kaefer: Where does the name Kaefer come from?

The last name Kaefer is a relatively uncommon name today, however it is still present in many parts of the world. It has Germanic roots and was most likely first used to indicate a connection to a profession; the name Kaefer is derived from the Middle High German terms “kafer” or "kefer" which translates to "beetle, bug or...". The name Kaefer is said to have first been found in areas where Germanic languages were spoken.

Today, the last name Kaefer is found most frequently in Germany, with several hundred individuals bearing the name throughout the country. Additionally, it is present in the United States, Canada and other English speaking countries, with several dozen people in North America reported to have the last name Kaefer. It is also present to a lesser degree in Austria, Switzerland, Spain, France and other European countries.

The Kaefer name is also an occupational name that is widely used or referenced as “Käfer” in Germany. It means “beetle, bug” and is typically used to identify people or objects related to the field of natural history, zoology or entomology.

In general, the last name Kaefer has been passed down from one generation to the next and is still present in many parts of the world. Its unique connection to natural history, zoology and entomology provides an interesting history of its use and continues to make the name Kaefer special to those that bear it.

Variations of the surname Kaefer

The surname Kaefer (or Käfer) is a German and Ashkenazi Jewish surname which derives from the Middle High German word “kafar”, meaning beetle or cricket. This surname has a long history, going back to at least the 13th century, when it first appeared in records connected to a merchant in Alsace.

Variants of the surname Kaefer include Käfer, Kaffar, Kefer, Kaifer, Kiefer, Kiefert, Kieffer, Kuefer, and Kufert, among others.

The surname can also have slightly different spellings depending on the language being used. In German, it is typically spelled Käfer, while in English, it is usually Kaefer.

Surnames of similar origin include Kaffir, Kaffer, Kaffar, Kaffirman, Kaffr, Kaffmann, Kafmann, Kaffman, and Kufformann. All of these surnames are derived from the Middle High German word “kafar”, as well.

The surname Kaefer has spread throughout Europe and the United States due to immigration from Germany and other areas of Europe. It is particularly common in Pennsylvania, where it has been present since the early 1700s. Today, the surname can be found all over the United States, Canada, and Israel.

Famous people with the name Kaefer

• Jody Kaefer: professional fantasy baseball player
• Geena Kaefer: celebrity chef
• Justin Kaefer: actor and model
• Andrew Kaefer: musician and songwriter
• Andie Kaefer: contemporary artist
• Ashley Kaefer: tennis player
• Sabine Kaefer: German fashion designer
• Eva Kaefer: German politician
• John Kaefer: inventer and former president of Ford Motor Company
• Megan Kaefer: Broadway actress and singer

Other surnames

Kaeferlein