Surname Dörflinger - Meaning and Origin
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Dörflinger: What does the surname Dörflinger mean?
The last name Dörflinger is a German surname, most likely originating from the Baden-Wurttemberg region of south-western Germany. It is likely derived from the Middle High German verb ‘dorff’, meaning to settle or inhabit. As such the surname can be interpreted to mean an individual or family who settled or lived in a particular place.
The use of the 'f' and 'ff' spelling of Dörflinger in old records suggests the spelling changed over time, with the 'f' pronunciation being more predominant in south-central Germany. Even though the origin of the name has never been officially confirmed, its likely occurrence in records dating back to the 16th century suggests that the name originated in the early modern period, and is now found across Germany, with many members of the Dörflinger family emigrating to other parts of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Overall, the surname Dörflinger likely originates from the verb ‘dorff’; denoting a person or family who settled in a particular place. It is a very common name in Germany today, and has been adopted by many generations since the 16th century.
Finally, the name can be used to represent a sense of belonging, as it suggests an ancestor's decision to settle down and establish their home in a particular place. This is something many generations of the Dörflinger family have carried through to the present day.
Order DNA origin analysisDörflinger: Where does the name Dörflinger come from?
The last name Dörflinger is most commonly found today in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Within Switzerland, the name is particularly prevalent in the canton of Solothurn.
The name Dörflinger is of German and Swiss origin and is derived from the Middle High German word, “Derflinc”, which means “settlement edge”. It is a topographical name for someone who lived near the edge of a village or settlement.
The Dörflinger family were first found in Switzerland during the 13th century. Throughout the centuries, the Dörflingers have served in various governmental and civil positions. A descendent of the family, Dr Philipp Dörflinger, served as a physician in Solothurn during the 1700s.
Today, the Dörflingers continue to live in various countries across Europe and the Americas. Many families keep in touch through social media, making it easier for family members to stay connected no matter where they live.
In Switzerland, the Dörflingers can trace their roots as far back as the 13th century and, due to their prominent presence in the area, many family members still live in the canton of Solothurn. This Swiss branch of the Dörflinger family tree is very proud of their long history in the country.
Variations of the surname Dörflinger
The variant of the surname Dörflinger is Dörflein. This is a common German name, and can vary depending on the region. In some places, it is spelled as Dorflein or Derby, while in other areas it is spelled as Dorflinger or Doerflinger. Other spellings of the surname include Dörfin and Dörfflein.
The earliest records of the name can be traced back to the thirteenth century. During that time, the first known bearer of the last name was recorded in 1279 as Jordani de Dordelyn. This was likely a reference to Jordan from the town of Dordelyn.
The surname appears in a variety of forms in different countries. In Austria, it is spelled as Dorflinger, Doerflinger, Dorfflinger, Dorflinger, and Dörflinger. In the Czech Republic, it is found as Dörflin and Dörfin. In Germany, it is often spelled as Dorflein and Dörfflein. In Switzerland, it is most commonly found as Dörflinger and Doerflinger.
The surname has also been anglicized into several different forms, such as Dorfling, Dorfleigh, Derby, Durflyng, and Dorflin. Variations of the last name can also be found with the prefixes von or zu, such as von Dorflinger and zu Dorflinger. This variation of the last name was often used to indicate nobility or high social status.
No matter what variation a family uses, all of these surnames appear to have a common origin and can most likely be traced back to the town of Dordelyn.
Famous people with the name Dörflinger
- Horst Dörflinger, former German Minister of Economy and Technology in Northrhine-Westphalia
- Paul Dörflinger, Swiss Olympic ski jumper
- Belinda Dörflinger, Swiss singer from Liechtenstein
- Schann Dörflinger, Austrian-Swiss singer-songwriter
- Loris Dörflinger, Swiss musician and music producer
- Hansjörg Dörflinger, Swiss retired bobsledder
- Ferdinand Dörflinger, 20th century German composer
- Markus Dörflinger, Swiss snowboarder
- Christine Dörflinger, Swiss singer and multi-instrumentalist
- Thomas Dörflinger, retired German footballer