Surname Pfotenhauer - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'P'
Pfotenhauer: What does the surname Pfotenhauer mean?
The last name Pfotenhauer is of German origin. It is a habitational surname derived from the town of Pfotenhauer, which is located in the Bavarian region of Germany. The origin of the name is believed to come from two German words – ‘Pfote’, which translates to foot or paw, and ‘hauer’, meaning farmer. Therefore, the name Pfotenhauer literally translates to ‘farmer of the foot or paw’. It is likely that original people with this surname originally farmed an area with foot traffic, such as a road, bridge or pass.
The Pfotenhauer name can be linked to the patronymic heritage of Germany, where the last name of a father is passed down to his sons and daughters. During the 16th-17th centuries, families began to use a combination of their father’s first name and ‘-er’ to create a surname. This is likely to be how the Pfotenhauer name was formed, with descendants of the first Pfotenhauer taking on the surname as their own.
Today, the Pfotenhauer name is still present in Germany, and can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, the United States of America, and other countries across the world. These communities boast people of a variety of backgrounds, faiths, and professions, all coming together to make a unique group of the Pfotenhauer name.
Order DNA origin analysisPfotenhauer: Where does the name Pfotenhauer come from?
The last name Pfotenhauer is predominately found throughout Germany, with thousands of records located throughout the country. According to MyHeritage.com, the top three concentrations of the name Pfotenhauer are located in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Bavaria.Throughout Germany, it is estimated that there are roughly 5,000-8,000 people with the name Pfotenhauer, making up a small percentage of Germany's total population.
Outside of Germany, the name Pfotenhauer is not as common. It is currently found in small numbers in the United States and Canada, with some records located in Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It is also believed to have originated in the areas of present-day Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The Pfotenhauer surname roughly translates to “foot tall.” It is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word “pfote” meaning “foot,” and “hauer” meaning “tall.” The name was likely first used to describe a tall individual or family.
The meaning of the last name has endured the test of time, with many modern day Pfotenhauers proudly using it as a part of their identity. In fact, if the surname is brought up in the United States, chances are you’ll find a Pfotenhauer descendant. This is because the relationship between Germany and the United States has led to Pfotenhauer family members spread across the two countries, allowing them to still proudly carry on their ancestor’s surname.
Variations of the surname Pfotenhauer
The surname Pfotenhauer is a German name, having roots in the Middle High German language. It is most common in the state of Bavaria in Germany. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Pfotenhauer include:
Pfotenhauer- This version of the surname is the most common, and likely the original spelling.
Pfotenhauser- This variant is common in Northern Germany, and generally replaces the ending ‘er’ with ‘er’.
Pfotenhaeuer- This variant is the same as above, but with a more traditional German spelling.
Pfotenhaue- This variant is similar to the two variants above, with one fewer letter in the surname.
Pfotenaue- This variant is the result of a phonetic transcription.
Pfotenhuber- This is a major variation of the name, evolved over time.
Pfötenhauser- This variant is also a major variation of the name, evolved over time and used in Austria.
Pfatterhau- This variant has a similar pronunciation to the original.
Pfotenhaver- This variant is also similar to the original and is common in Southern Germany.
Pfattenhauer- This variant is common in Baden-Württemberg, typically replacing 'ue' with 'a'.
Pfatfanhaver- This variant is an Americanized version of the name, taken when the family immigrated to the United States.
These variants, spellings and surnames are all derived from the original surname Pfotenhauer, and may have been derived from another language, or as a result of slight misinterpretations or cultural changes over time.
Famous people with the name Pfotenhauer
- Gary Pfotenhauer: Gary Pfotenhauer is an American agility instructor for dogs, author, and team leader on K-9 SAR. He has written books on agility courses and equipment and has been teaching agility since 1997.
- Chuck Pfotenhauer: Chuck Pfotenhauer is an inspirational speaker and founder of Reflection & Action, an organization with the mission to help people develop successful and fulfilling lives.
- Cathy Pfotenhauer: Cathy Pfotenhauer is the former Director of Public Programs for the Chicago History Museum and has been traveling the world for almost two decades as a global author, speaker, and performer.
- Dwayne Pfotenhauer: Dwayne Pfotenhauer is a Canadian songwriter, performer, and singer who plays the keyboard and accordion. He has played in several bands including Mourning for the Morning and Carnes Family Band.
- Tony Pfotenhauer: Tony Pfotenhauer is an American photographer and television producer. He has worked on television programs such as The Voice, X-Factor, and America’s Got Talent.
- Zoreen Pfotenhauer: Zoreen Pfotenhauer is an American actor, writer, and director with a background in improvisational theater. She has appeared in television shows such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and Flight of the Conchords.
- Kris Pfotenhauer: Kris Pfotenhauer is an American film actor and producer, best known for his appearances in films including The Lords of Dogtown, The Haunted Mansion, and Ocean's Twelve.
- Erika Pfotenhauer: Erika Pfotenhauer is a German-born American writer, lecturer, mental health counselor and psychotherapist. Her writings have primarily focused on the psychological and spiritual aspects of life.
- Richard Pfotenhauer: Richard Pfotenhauer is a retired American naval officer and engineer. He is best known for his leadership at NASA during the Apollo missions and was later appointed to Vice Admiral in the US Navy.
- Clauda Pfotenhauer: Clauda Pfotenhauer is a German television host, journalist, and author. She has written several books on natural health and wellness, as well as presented the German talk show “Willkommen zu Hause.”