Surname Steinhauff - Meaning and Origin
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Steinhauff: What does the surname Steinhauff mean?
The last name Steinhauff is a German name, derived from the Middle High German word ‘steinhauf’, which means ‘stone-hew’. Steinhauff is thought to be occupational in origin, from the profession of stone-cutting and quarrying. It likely refers to someone who was an expert in hewing stones for building, such as masons or stone-cutters.
The name is likely connected to the trade of stonemasonry, which had long been practiced in German-speaking countries and the Migration Period of the Middle Ages. It likely dates back to the medieval era, when skilled craftsmen in the field of stone-cutting and quarrying were highly valued and sought-after.
Steinhauff could also originate from a number of other professions related to stone-cutting, such as stonemasons, sculptors, or ornamental stone-workers. In fact, the name first appeared in records in 1441, in reference to a master-stonemason named 'Hans Steinhauf' from Nuremberg.
In modern-day Germany, the name Steinhauff continues to be (albeit rarely) used as a surname. It typically appears in central Germany, with only a few dozen bearers of the name scattered across the country.
Overall, the last name Steinhauff is historically rooted in the art of stone-cutting and quarrying, and likely speaks to the hard-working nature of the early Germanic people. It is a reminder of the longstanding trade of stonemasonry and its relation to German cultural heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisSteinhauff: Where does the name Steinhauff come from?
The last name Steinhauff is not particularly common today, but it is most often found in certain parts of Germany, particularly in the southern and central states like Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg. As with many German surnames, it likely originated from a specific town or region and was likely established in the late Middle Ages or early modern period.
Due to the creation of modern nation-states in 19th century Europe, many Europeans emigrated across the world, including those with the name Steinhauff. This has led to the name being found in various parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and South Africa.
In the United States, the name is uncommon, but more likely to be found in states with high German-American populations such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas. Additionally, Steinhauff immigrants have been documented in Canada, Mexico, and Argentina.
Overall, there is no one region of the world where Steinhauff is particularly common, and as with many German surnames, it is dispersed throughout the globe.
Variations of the surname Steinhauff
The surname Steinhauff is derived from the German "Steintopf" which refers to one's occupation as a potter. It is mainly found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and some parts of Eastern Europe.
Variants of this surname include Steinhof, Steinhoef, Steinhauffer, Steinhauer, Steinhaver, Steinhaus, Steinheuer and Steinhuser. Spellings of the surname include Steinhoff, Steinhoef, Steinhofer, Steinhoffer, Steenhoef, Steenhouwer, Steenhoff, Steinhuff, Steinhauf, Steinhauser, and Steinhausen.
Surnames that stem from the same origin as Steinhauff include Steinhoff, Steinhauer, and Steinhaus. These surnames may have derived from the occupation of potter for the surname holder or a place of origin.
For example, Steinhof is derived from Middle High German "stainhof" and refers to a stone yard or quarry. Meanwhile, Steinhauer may come from "Stan-houwer," a Dutch name given to a stoneworker. Lastly, Steinhaus refers to someone who lived in a stone house.
Despite some variation, the many variants, spellings, and surnames that stem from the same origin as Steinhauff all ultimately refer to a person's origin or occupation related to pottery.
Famous people with the name Steinhauff
- Linda Steinhauff: American singer and songwriter who served as lead vocalist for the band 7-Mile.
- Dan Steinhauff: American singer, actor, dancer, and choreographer.
- Peter Steinhauff: German sailor and Olympic champion who won two gold medals at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
- Alfred Steinhauff: German brewer who served in the German Navy during World War I and later as the executive head of a number of breweries in Upper Austria.
- Joe Steinhauff: American film and television actor active primarily in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Henry Steinhauff: American painter who specialized in landscapes and still lifes.
- Albert Steinhauff: German figure skater who competed in the early 20th century and won seven German national titles.
- William F. Steinhauff: American politician and attorney from Wisconsin who served as an Assemblyman in the Wisconsin Legislature in 1961-1962.
- Kristopher Steinhauff: American entrepreneur and investor who founded the real estate investment platform 2450 shares.
- William H. Steinhauff: American publisher primarily active in the mid-20th century.