Hoffer

Hoffer is a surname of Germanic origin. It is commonly regarded as a habitational or occupational name derived from the Middle High German hof, meaning courtyard, farm, or estate, with the agentive suffix -er. Thus, Hoffer would historically denote a person from a manor, a farm manager, or someone living near a large estate. The surname has many variants reflecting regional spellings, including Hofer, Hofner, and Hof, and it is found in German-speaking countries as well as among diasporic communities around the world.

The name is concentrated in Germany and Austria, with communities in the United States, Canada, and other countries resulting from emigration. Spelling variations arose from shifts in dialects, literacy, and immigration.

Notable individuals with the surname Hoffer have been recorded across diverse fields such as science, arts, sports, and public life. Because Hoffer is relatively common, it often appears on biographical and genealogical records, and specific persons are typically identified by given names or occupations to avoid confusion.

See also: Hofer (surname), Hofner, and Hoffman as related surnames.