Surname Dorfler - Meaning and Origin

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G. Dorfler

Dorfler: What does the surname Dorfler mean?

The last name Dorfler is of German origin, and it is a toponymic surname – a name derived from a topographical feature or a geographic origin. The name is derived from the Old German word “dorflær” which means “one who lives in a town or village” or “inhabitant of a hamlet”. Therefore, the last name Dorfler likely originated with an ancestor who was a long-time resident of, or was born in, a small town or village.

The Dorflers were most likely merchants, tradespeople, farmers, or members of the local clergy. They would have been influential in their small communities due to their hard work and dedication to their trade. They likely had close relationships with their neighbors and fellow villagers and were likely integral parts of their towns and villages.

Due to their central roles in their communities, many Dorfler families have maintained strong relationships over centuries and have often kept their surnames over generations. This legacy is still alive today amongst many Dorfler families, each of which are very proud of the history and heritage of the name.

Dorfler: Where does the name Dorfler come from?

The last name Dorfler is common throughout Central and Eastern Europe. It is most commonly seen in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also seen in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, and some other countries.

In the United States, the last name Dorfler is mainly found in states like California, Texas, Illinois, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. It is also found in some other states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland.

In Canada, Dorfler is found primarily in three provinces: Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. There are a few Dorflers in Quebec as well. The last name is also scattered outside of these areas but is concentrated in the central and western parts of the country.

The Dorfler surname is also seen across parts of South America, particularly in Argentnia, Brazil, and Chile.

The last name Dorfler is currently in use in many parts of the world, primarily in Europe and parts of North America. It is historically derived from a geographical location or external source and can also be seen in other variants such as Dörfler, Dorffel, Dorfeler, and Dorfiler. Today, it is used to identify people who share a common ancestry or cultural background.

Variations of the surname Dorfler

The surname Dorfler is thought to have originated from Bavaria in Germany and is believed to have been derived from the Middle High German word 'dorfal' meaning a village dweller.

Variants of this surname include Dorfer, Dorfler, Dorflair, Dorf hybrids, Dorfil, Dörfer, Dörfler, Dörflair, Dörfil, and Dorfillar. The variants of this surname may have been influenced by different regional dialects and languages in a given area, as some variations reflect German dialects.

Spellings of this surname that are more common today include Dorfler, with double 'r's and double 'f's, and Dorfer, with only single 'r's and 'f's. Dorfele is also another alternative spelling.

The Dorfler surname can be found almost worldwide today. While it is most prominent in Germany, other countries that have members of this family include the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and even parts of South Africa.

Though there are much fewer documents regarding the surname prior to the 19th century, there are a few examples of this surname being used in Germany centuries earlier. Around the year 1445, Johannes Dorfler is recorded as being a resident in a village by the name of Erkartswiller. Furthermore, around the same time there was a Peter Dorfler who hailed from the city of Heidelberg in Germany.

Famous people with the name Dorfler

• David Dorfler: a German professional football player.
• Larry Dorfler: a former Major League Baseball catcher.
• Martin Dorfler: a Swiss composer.
• Warren Dorfler: an American actor.
• Halina Dorfler: a Polish singer, songwriter, poet and actress.
• Cory Dorfler: an American professional golfer.
• Felix Dorfler: a Swiss painter and sculptor.
• Eric Dorfler: an American historian and author.
• Wolfgang Dorfler: a German historian and professor.
• Fred Dorfler: an American collegiate wrestling coach.
• David M. Dorfler: an American politician.
• George Dorfler: a Canadian politician.
• Robert Dorfler: an American politician.
• Collin Dorfler: an American composer and film score orchestrator.
• Günther Dorfler: a German physicist.
• Stefan Dorfler: a German cross-country skier.
• David Dorfler: a Czechoslovakian cyclist.
• Alexander Dorfler: a German rower.
• Karl Dorfler: an Austrian actor.
• Jakub Dorfler: a Czechoslovakian footballer.

Other surnames

DörflDörfleDörfleinDörflinger