Surname Pfeffers - Meaning and Origin
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Pfeffers: What does the surname Pfeffers mean?
The surname Pfeffers is of German origin and it derives from the Middle High German term “pfeffer,” which translates to “pepper.” This name was traditionally used as an occupational surname for a spice merchant, specifically one who dealt in pepper. Occupational surnames were commonly adopted during the Middle Ages in Central Europe. They were typically based on a person's trade, craft, or occupation. Therefore, a person with the surname Pfeffers was likely an ancestor who played a significant role in the pepper trade. It's also possible that this name was used metaphorically for a person with a fiery temperament or reddish hair. Keep in mind that many variations of this surname exist due to regional dialects and phonetic spellings, including Pfeffer, Pfeifer, and Pfaff.
Order DNA origin analysisPfeffers: Where does the name Pfeffers come from?
The last name Pfeffers is believed to be of German/Dutch origin. It is most commonly associated with Austria, and is also quite common in the Netherlands; especially the southern regions.
In the United States, the last name Pfeffers is most prominent in the Midwest and southern United States. According to the US Census, the largest concentrations of Pfeffers households is in Michigan, followed by Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
In the United Kingdom, the last name Pfeffers is recorded in the 1881 British census as being most common in England, followed by Scotland and Wales.
In Australia, the last name Pfeffers is listed as being most common in Victoria, followed by New South Wales and Queensland.
In New Zealand, the last name is listed as being of Māori origin, with individuals tracing their ancestry back to early migrants from the Polynesian islands.
It is also quite common in various African nations, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Ghana.
Overall, the last name Pfeffers is most common in countries of Western European origin, including Austria, Germany, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Pfeffers
The surname Pfeffers is of German origin, and can take multiple spelling variants and surnames of the same origin.
The first variant is Pfefferer, which is an alternate spelling of the name. It is also the most commonly used variant.
The second variant is Pfeiffer, which is a more modernized version, and is sometimes used interchangeably with Pfefferer.
The third variant is Pfeifer, which was used during the Middle Ages in Germany. It is an older version of the Pfeffers surname, and is not used as much today.
The fourth variant is Pfeffinger, which is another alternate spelling of the surname. It is a more recent version of the name and is not as commonly used as the other variants.
The fifth variant is Pfefferle, which is a variation of the name found mainly in the alpine regions of Germany and Austria.
The sixth variant is Peiffer, which is an archaic spelling used in some parts of Germany. It is not as commonly used as the other spellings of the name.
The seventh variant is Pfaffers, which is the Swiss version of the surname.
The eighth variant is Pfeiffner, which is an old German spelling that is not frequently used today.
In addition to the spellings mentioned, there are also multiple surnames of the same origin as Pfeffers, such as Pefferle, Pfefferl, and Pfeffelfeller.
Overall, the surname Pfeffers is quite versatile, as there are many spellings and surnames of the same origin. It is important to note, however, that not all of these variants are used as frequently as others.
Famous people with the name Pfeffers
- Robin Pfeiffer: Robin Pfeiffer is a German-American film director, producer, and screenwriter. She is best known for her work with Academy Award-winning actor, Cate Blanchett, starring in films such as Cinderella, Carol, and Truth.
- Franca Pfeiffer: Franca Pfeiffer is an Italian-American professional basketball player currently playing for the Israeli Premiere League's Hapoel Tel Aviv.
- James Pfeiffer: James Pfeiffer is an American artist and entrepreneur who has been featured in various exhibits in museums, galleries, and showrooms. He is best known for his abstract sculptures and multimedia art installations.
- Jay Pfeiffer: Jay Pfeiffer is an American basketball coach and a former player of Northwestern Wildcats. He is the current assistant coach of the men's team.
- Bill Pfeiffer: Bill Pfeiffer is an American professional baseball player and a member of the New York Mets organization. He was the third-round selection in the 2009 amateur draft by the Mets.
- Julie Pfeiffer: Julie Pfeiffer is an American microbiologist and professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is best known for her work in infectious disease research and biosafety.
- Brian Pfeiffer: Brian Pfeiffer is a former American professional soccer player who represented the United States U-20 men's national soccer team. He has since retired and is now a coach and commentator.
- Mandy Pfeiffer: Mandy Pfeiffer is a German-born American triathlete who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. She is a six-time Ironman champion and has won various short and long-distance triathlons.