Surname Kofahl - Meaning and Origin
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Kofahl: What does the surname Kofahl mean?
The last name Kofahl is derived from the German surname “Kofahl,” which translates to “shoemaker.” It is a common occupational surname throughout Germany and is rarely found in other countries. It belongs to the class of German surnames that derive from names of professions.
Originally, last names were necessary to clearly identify individuals in the Germanic culture due to the limited availability of given names. By this system, individuals shared a surname with others within their social circles or family, such as those with the same trade or profession. It was more of a distinguishing feature than an hereditary tradition.
Kofahl is likely a baptismal name, used to designate a shoe maker. During the medieval period, footwear-making was a highly specialized craft and required both excellent manual skill and business acumen to be successful. Consequently, shoe makers had a significant role in the production and sale of shoes. Shoes played a major role in the lives of ordinary people, both socially and economically.
The etymology of this particular surname includes “Kopf” which means “head” or “brain” and “Hahl” which means “worker” or “maker” in German. Taken together, the name Kofahl conveys the idea of an industrious shoemaker whose talent and knowledge provided the livelihood of many.
Order DNA origin analysisKofahl: Where does the name Kofahl come from?
The last name Kofahl is most commonly found today in the United States, particularly in the Midwest region. Many of those with the Kofahl name have German heritage, migrating to the United States in the mid to late 19th century.
Today, the surname Kofahl is most heavily concentrated in California, followed by Wisconsin, Texas, Minnesota, Arizona and Illinois. Within these states, the number of people with the Kofahl name is greatest in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Chicago, Phoenix and Minneapolis. The last name is also quite prevalent in St. Louis and Kansas City as well as smaller cities in the Midwest.
In terms of global distribution, the name Kofahl may also be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and some areas of eastern Europe.
Interestingly, the genealogy site MyHeritage indicates that there are twice as many men as women with the name Kofahl in the U.S. today.Finally, it is worth noting that while the last name is most commonly found in upper-middle class families in the United States, there are also a number of individuals with the name Kofahl who are employed in blue-collar professions.
Variations of the surname Kofahl
Kofahl is a German surname of uncertain origin. It is most likely derived from the Old Germanic personal name Kofal which meant “bold” or “courageous”. The spelling of the surname can vary and include Kofahl, Kophal, Koffal, and Koffahl. Other variants of Kofahl include Kofeld, Koeffeld, and Koffeld.
The surname has been found in Germany, Netherlands, and other parts of Europe since at least the 1600s. It is primarily concentrated in the southwestern part of Germany, particularly in the Rhineland states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg. The earliest known bearer of the Kofahl last name is recorded to be Matheis Koffal, who is listed as a priest from the Rhineland-Palatinate in 1607.
In other countries, Kofahl can often be spelled differently. In Sweden, Kofahl is often spelled Kofal or Koffal. In Finland, it is usually spelled Kofall. In the United States, the surname is sometimes spelled Koffel or Kaffel.
The Kofahl surname is associated with many prominent figures, particularly in Germany. Johann Jacob Kofahl was a German theologian known for his contributions to the Reform movement. Hermann Kofahl was a German engineer who famously designed the first diesel engine. His achievements are commemorated in many parts of Germany, including Kofahlplatz in Berlin.
No matter how it is spelled, Kofahl is a surname that is steeped in history and steeped in variation. The bearer of this proud family name should be proud to continue a family tradition with such a rich and varied history.
Famous people with the name Kofahl
- Amanda Kofahl: American figure skater and two-time US National Dance Champion
- Natalie Kofahl: Russian synchronized swimmer and two-time world champion
- Tony Kofahl: American football player who won Super Bowl VII with the Miami Dolphins
- Reinhold Kofahl: German professional footballer
- David Kofahl: American professional golfer
- Helmut Kofahl: German figure skater and 1972 olympic bronze medalist
- Maria Kofahl: American Paralympic athlete and bronze medalist
- Adalbert Kofahl: German politician and strong opponent of the Nazi regime
- Philip Kofahl: German diver and bronze medalist at the 1984 Summer Olympics
- Rik Kofahl: US Thoroughbred horse racing jockey and winner of the Kentucky Derby