Surname Koerfgen - Meaning and Origin
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Koerfgen: What does the surname Koerfgen mean?
The last name Koerfgen is a German surname, of patronymic origin, meaning son of Körfgen, (Körfgen is a diminutive form of the first name Kör), and is derived from the East Frisian language. The Koerfgen surname is unique, the earliest recorded being that of a farmer from Schapen in East Friesland in 1602.
Koerfgen is a very old name with a long and complex history. It is believed that the name originated as a religious name through the patronymic system of naming - i.e., taking a piece of the father's first name or even their occupation, and adding suffixes such as -son, -en, or -gen. It is thought that the “Körf-” part of the name is derived from the Old German (Oder Frisian) name for a blacksmith - likely a tribute to an elder ancestor.
Today, Koerfgen is an interesting name that can open a door into its many different origins. As a patronymic surname, it is an interesting marker of a family’s ancestry, offering some insight into the occupational or even religious background of that family. It is a fascinating name due to its unique history, complex story, and its East Frisian origin.
Order DNA origin analysisKoerfgen: Where does the name Koerfgen come from?
The last name Koerfgen is believed to have originated from the Low German language and is particularly common in Germany. Even though it is found in other countries, Koerfgen is most often associated with Germany. It is believed to be derived from Koerf (cooper, or barrel maker), which is an occupation that likely dates back hundreds of years.
Koerfgen is found throughout most of Germany, with its highest concentrations in the Nordrhein-Westfalen, Niedersachsen, and Sachsen-Anhalt regions. According to last name statistics from 2002, there are approximately 2,000 people with the Koerfgen surname living in Germany today. Outside of Germany, there are smaller numbers of Koerfgen’s living in other countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Australia.
In the U.S., the state of Pennsylvania is home to most of the Koerfgen’s living there. There is also a significant concentration of the name in Wisconsin. While most German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania, those with the last name of Koerfgen are likely descended from immigrants who settled in what was known as Sauk City during the 19th century.
Beyond Germany and the U.S., Koerfgen is a rather rare name. A search of genealogy sites reveals that a significant concentration of the name can also be found in South Africa, where there are many Koerfgen’s listed in the area of the Limpopo province.
This surname is likely to continue to be a rare surname throughout the world, though it will likely remain quite popular in Germany. Overall, Koerfgen is a unique last name that is likely to continue to be passed down throughout the generations.
Variations of the surname Koerfgen
The surname Koerfgen is a German patronymic surname, derived from the personal name Körf, also sometimes spelled Körff, Koeerf, Körfgen, Körffen, and Körffen. It is derived from the Old High German word korbe, meaning "basket", and it is believed to have originally referred to a family who had a hereditary profession of basket-making.
Today, the surname has many variants spelling. Examples include Körfgen, Körffen, Körffen, Körff, Koeerf, Koerf, and Körf. It is possible that this surname eventually spread to other countries, as there are many individuals bearing the variant surnames Coerfgen and Koorfgen in the United States today.
Koerfgen is also an uncommon variation of the German surname Körner, which is itself derived from the occupational name for a grain harvester or merchant. In this spelling, the last letter is replaced with a silent 'g'.
In addition, there are many other patronymic surnames with the same origin as Koerfgen, including Körner, Koehnen, Köhne, and Korff. All of these surnames are derived from an occupation associated with Germany. For instance, Koehnen is derived from the Middle High German word koenen, which means "daring and courageous", while Köhne is derived from the Old High German word kouhn, meaning "bold".
Thus, the surname Koerfgen has varied spellings and differing origins, and many people today carry a variant form of the name.
Famous people with the name Koerfgen
- Moritz Körfgen, German footballer
- Helmut Körfgen, German politician
- Theo Körfgen, German butterfly swimmer
- Malte Körfgen, German published author and psychologist
- Stephan Körfgen, German composer
- Wolf Körfgen, Austrian philosopher
- Vincent Körfgen, German artist
- Christof Körfgen, German musician
- Jan Körfgen, German ice hockey player
- Harald Körfgen, German medievalist and an academic
- Johannes Körfgen, German sculptor
- Karl Körfgen, German bishop
- Eva Koerfgen, Swiss legal historian
- Patrick Körfgen, German professional footballer
- Eduard Körfgen, German trade unionist
- Édouard Körfgen, Belgian Cornet-Player in the Red Regiment of the French Imperial Guard
- Maria Körfgen, German theologian
- Claus Körfgen, German mathematician