Hoffman

Hoffman is a surname of German origin, an Anglicized form of Hofmann. The name is occupational in origin, derived from hof or hof- meaning estate, courtyard, or farm, and man, referring to a keeper, steward, or servant associated with an estate. Over time, it spread beyond German-speaking regions through migration, becoming established in the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Variant spellings include Hofmann and Hoffmann in German, and Hoffman with one f in English-speaking contexts. The name is common enough that it appears across many cultures and languages, sometimes reflecting different phonetic spellings or transliterations.

Notable individuals with the surname include Dustin Hoffman, an American actor born in 1937 whose work spans film and television, with acclaimed roles in The Graduate and Rain Man.

Geographically, Hoffman appears as a place name in several countries, most notably in the United States, where towns, townships, and geographic features carry the name, typically named after early settlers or local figures with the surname. In addition, numerous organizations, businesses, and academic institutions incorporate Hoffman as part of their names, reflecting founders or benefactors bearing the surname.