Surname Topfer - Meaning and Origin
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read moreTopfer: What does the surname Topfer mean?
The last name Topfer is of German origin. It is derived from the words top and fer, which mean “over” and “iron” respectively. Thus, the name Topfer can be translated as “the one who shapes iron.” The ironworking tradition was strongly established in Germany, and many surnames were derived from this craft.
In the Middle Ages, the Topfer family were prominent ironworkers, particularly in the area of Bavaria, Germany. This profession distinguished the family as an affluent and notable one. Topfer is a rare surname, most commonly found in Germany and Austria, although some members of the family have since spread international, particularly to the USA, Canada and South Africa.
Today the Topfer family remain involved in social and political fields, including business affairs, the arts, education, and the sciences. It is not known whether any current members of the family are still metalworkers, however it is clear that the descendants of the original ironworking Topfer family have succeeded in many other areas, both on a local and global scale.
Order DNA origin analysisTopfer: Where does the name Topfer come from?
Topfer is a German surname, and the geographic origin of today's Topfers can be traced to the German-speaking countries of Europe. However, due to migration and emigration patterns of the last two centuries, the Topfer surname can now be found all over the globe.
In present-day Germany, Topfer is still relatively common, especially in the southern part of the country. Many Topfers are found concentrated around the city of Oldenburg, located in the state of Lower Saxony, as well as in the adjacent district of Emsland. Records show that up to 100 Topfers still live in this region today.
Outside Germany, Topfer is most common in areas with an established German-speaking diaspora. In the United States, Topfers can be found primarily in the Midwestern states that have large German-speaking populations, such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. In Canada, the name is widely spread, with family members residing in provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
In addition, Topfer is also popular in many other parts of the world, including Argentina, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and even South Africa. It has become apparent that German families have spread out in all directions since the 19th century, and the Topfer surname is no exception. WIth its global reach, the Topfer surname is now firmly established wherever German-speaking families wander!
Variations of the surname Topfer
The surname Topfer is an occupational surname of German origin derived from the old High German word ‘topfer’ meaning potter or ceramicist. As a result, variants of this surname include Töpfer, Töpfner, Töpferin, Töpferling, Topf, Topfler, Topfl, and Topfner. Other more rare spellings have also been found, including Topfle, Toepfer, and Topfere.
Surnames of the same origin as Topfer include Topfmann, Topfstedt, and Topfstetter. All of these surnames are derived from the German word for potter. Variants include Töpfmann, Töpfstedt, and Töpfstetter.
In addition to the German variants, there is also an Anglicised variation of the surname which is spelled ‘Topham’. This surname is derived from the Middle English term ‘toppe’ which means the same as the German 'topfer’. Variants of Topham include Topam, Toppam, Topam-Smith, and Toppem-Smythe.
Finally, there have also been records of people using the Russian and Ukrainian variant of Topfer, which is spelled Toporov. This surname is derived from the Russian or Ukrainian term ‘Topor’ meaning axe. Variants of the Toporov surname include Toporoff, Toporev, and Toporosh.
Famous people with the name Topfer
- Gerhard Topfer: German politician, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development from 1998 to 2005.
- David Topfer: Austrian lawyer and Grand Master of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem from 2012 to 2020.
- Franz Topfer: Austrian politician and Federal Minister of Social Affairs from 1979 to 1984.
- Alfred Topfer: German businessman and co-founder of the "Topfer & Co" trading company.
- Erika Topfer: German actress and theater director.
- Paul Topfer: German industrialist and co-founder of the “Topfer & Co.” trading company.
- Maximilian Topfer: German lawyer and businessman, associated with the “Topfer & Co” trading company.
- Franz-Josef Topfer: German Catholic theologian and writer.
- Jan Topfer: Danish architect and painter.
- Otto Topfer: German architect and furniture designer.