Surname Puthoff - Meaning and Origin
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Puthoff: What does the surname Puthoff mean?
The last name Puthoff is of German origin. It is derived from a place-name, which is found in various forms in German-speaking countries. The name Puthoff is derived from the Old Germanic words “puh” meaning “forest” or “place of growth”, plus “hoff” meaning “enclosed court or farm.” Put together, Puthoff means “enclosed court or farm in the forest.” This is symbolic of the family’s possible ancestral roots in a farming community. This ancient variant of the Puthoff name is still found in some parts of Prussia, and became more common in Germany after the Protestant Reformation.
Puthoff family members live all around the world, and have made a name for themselves in various disciplines. A prominent family member is the physicist Harold Puthoff, who is best known for his groundbreaking studies in the areas of physics, consciousness, and quantum mechanics. Similarly, the Puthoff family are noted for their ingenuity and creativity, as seen in other family members who are actively involved in the fields of business, science, literature, and politics.
Overall, the last name Puthoff is a symbolic reminder of the family’s agricultural roots. The name adds an important layer of history to the ancestral story of each individual that carries it. Although the modern Puthoff family has made its mark in numerous industries, the last name pays homage to their past, and serves as an open door to explore the family tree.
Order DNA origin analysisPuthoff: Where does the name Puthoff come from?
The last name Puthoff is common today in German-speaking countries, particularly in Germany. It is believed to be one of the oldest German surnames and dates back to the 1400s. Variations of the name include Pothoff, Pudhoff, and Pothof.
The surname Puthoff is most commonly found in the provinces of Brandenburg and Bavaria. In addition, there are pockets of Puthoffs in the former East Prussia, now belonging to Poland and Russia.
The initial form of the Puthoff surname was Pudof, derived from the German word "pud" which means pond. It is likely the original family was from a village near a pond or marsh, thus the addition of the suffix "off."
Today, the surname Puthoff is an uncommon one, but it can still be found in the records. It is likely it will continue to be rare as there are no reports of any celebrities or politicians with the name.
Variations of the surname Puthoff
The surname Puthoff is an occupational surname of German and Anglo-Saxon origin. This surname is derived from the Middle High German word "podehof," or "puthef." Variants of this name include Putoff, Puthof, Potof, and Puttoff.
The surnames Puthoff, Putoff, Puthof, Potof, and Puttoff have also been spelled in various ways throughout the centuries. Variations of these spellings include Pudehoff, Pudhoff, Pudehofi, Pudhoffi, Phedhofi, Puthaf, Pershoff, Puhoff, but also Piehoff, Puetoff, Pershoffe., Podehoff, and Peuthoeff, among others.
Surnames of similar origin or derivation can also be found in Germany, Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Surnames such as Potter, Patzer, Peterman, Poppen, Pfenninger, Patte, and Paradies are related to Puthoff, Putoff, Puthof, Potof, and Puttoff. These surnames all derive from the Middle High German word “podehof” meaning “enclosed or defended courtyard.”
In conclusion, the surname Puthoff has numerous variants, spellings, and related surnames of similar origin or derivation in Germany, Netherlands, and Scandinavia. These variations include Putoff, Puthof, Potof, and Puttoff, as well as Potter, Patzer, Peterman, Poppen, Pfenninger, Patte, and Paradies, among others, which all derive from the Middle High German word “podehof.”
Famous people with the name Puthoff
- Paul Puthoff: American physicist and electrical engineer, co-inventor of magnetoelectric sensor and a United States patent recipient.
- Steven M. Puthoff: retired political figure in California and United States House of Representatives Representative from 1981-83.
- Barry Puthoff: well known astrophotographer, lecturer, and noted practitioner of the theosophical movement.
- Abby Puthoff: Olympic swimmer who made the 2008 United States Olympic team for Beijing.
- Corey Puthoff: minor league baseball pitcher who has previously pitched in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
- Joe Puthoff: former Major League Baseball pitcher who played in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
- Randy Puthoff: retired National Football League tight end who spent time with the New England Patriots and Washington Redskins from 1978-80.
- Rich Puthoff: former National Football League linebacker who played for the Detroit Lions from 1967-71.
- Rick Puthoff: retired National Football League defensive back who played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1981-86.
- Matt Puthoff: CEO of an online ticketing service company for festivals, fairs, and events.