Surname Mayrhoffer - Meaning and Origin

Mayrhoffer: What does the surname Mayrhoffer mean?

The last name Mayrhoffer (also spelled 'Maierhofer' in some places) is thought to have roots in the German language. It likely originated as a habitational or locational name (likely from the city Maierhofen in Bavaria) referring to someone who either lived in or was from a certain area. It also may have indicated a profession of sorts, like a person who makes or sells Mayrhofer (furniture), or it could have referred to someone who owned land in the Mayrhofer area.

The literal definition of Mayrhofer is usually thought to be derived from the German words 'maier' or 'majer', meaning 'measurer', 'town official', or 'mayor'. It is also possible that it could have been taken from the word 'Maierhof', which means 'a marquee’ or ‘tent’ that housed a tavern (essentially an inn). All together, it’s believed that the Mayrhoffers were probably town officials or traders who lived in or near the Maierhofen area.

The Mayrhoffers who remain today are primarily associated with the Tyrol region of Austria; and although the exact meaning has been lost through the ages, the name still carries a certain air of authority and respect. The Mayrhoffers are generally known for their strength, courage, and wisdom, with many of their descendents respected and renowned in various fields, such as business, athletics, politics, science, and the arts.

Mayrhoffer: Where does the name Mayrhoffer come from?

The last name Mayrhoffer is most common in Germany today. According to the geographical DNA analysis website, MyHeritage, it originated in the Moselle district, in the German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.

The name first gained popularity in areas around Leverkusen and Mönchengladbach in the early 1600s. It is still a common name in Germany today, particularly in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, which has the highest concentration of people who carry the Mayrhoffer surname.

Mayrhoffer is also seen in some Swiss and Central European countries, particularly in Austria. It is not quite as common in other parts of Europe, but can still be found in small numbers in countries such as France, Belgium, and The Netherlands.

The Mayrhoffer surname has made its way to the United States and Canada as well. U.S. Census records list relatively higher numbers of people with the last name Mayrhoffer in states such as Pennsylvania and New York.

In non-Germanic countries around the world, Mayrhoffer is still a relatively rare family name. This includes countries within Latin America and Asia.

Overall, the Mayrhoffer surname is most commonly seen in Germany and other central European countries with strong German diaspora populations.

Variations of the surname Mayrhoffer

The surname Mayrhoffer is a German-Austrian patronymic name derived from the Middle German words, ‘mar’, meaning ‘famous’ or ‘noteworthy’, and ‘hoffer’, meaning ‘one who had land or property’.

The variants of Mayrhoffer include Mehraförster, Mayrhöfer, Mayrhofer, Mayrhoefer, Mehrhöfer, Mehröfer, Merhoefer, and Marhöfer.

Additionally, there are several different spellings and surnames of the same origin, such as Marhofers, Mayrhofers, Mayrhoefers, Marhofer, Merhofer, Mehrhofer, Mahrhoefer, Marhafer, Merhafer, Mehrhafer, Mahrhoafel, Mahrhoefel, Mehrhöfer, Marhafer, and Marhöfer.

In the United States, the Mayrhoffer surname was sometimes changed to Marvin due to immigration and social assimilation.

In Austria, it is also known as Mahrhoefel and Mahrhoefeler. In Germany, it is known as Merffer, with forms occurring in Belgium and Luxembourg. The Dutch version is ‘Meurf’.

An alternate spelling of the surname is Moryoffer, which can be found in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States of America.

The name is still common and has been spread to many parts of the world through subsequent generations. It is one of the most common names in Europe, and is also found in Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Famous people with the name Mayrhoffer

• Robert Mayrhoffer, Bavarian sculptor and medalist.
• Herbert Mayrhofer, Austrian sports shooter.
• Franz Mayrhofer, Austrian organ builder and instrument maker.
• Julius Mayrhofer, Austrian sculptor and engraver.
• Karl Mayrhofer, Austrian Liberal Party politician.
• Mari-Ann Mayrhofer, Canadian coach, manager and broadcaster in professional ice hockey.
• Gustav Mayrhofer, Austrian politician and sports shooter.
• Adelbert Mayrhofer, German court counsellor and art collector.
• Anton Mayrhofer, Austro-Hungarian lieutenant and recipient of the Order of Franz Joseph.
• Severin Mayrhofer, Austrian classical philologist and academic.
• Rosa Mayrhofer, Austrian opera singer and voice teacher.
• Alex Mayrhofer, German Neo-Nazi agitator.

Other surnames

MayrhoferMayrhöfer