Hofman

Hofman is a surname of Dutch and German origin. It is often a toponymic or occupational name derived from the word hof, meaning courtyard, farm, estate, or manor, combined with man to indicate a person associated with such a place. The spelling Hofman is common in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium, while the German forms Hofmann or Hoffman are more frequent in German-speaking regions. Variants reflect regional spelling traditions and migration patterns.

The name can arise independently in different locales and has spread with European migration. Today Hofman is found in many countries, particularly where Dutch or German heritage is present, and in communities resulting from emigration to North America and other regions. Like many surnames of this type, bearers have pursued a wide range of occupations and professions.

In addition to individuals, Hofman may appear in toponymy or fictional contexts, though such uses are less common. The surname is closely related to other spellings such as Hofmann, Hoffman, and Hoffmann, which share the same linguistic roots but reflect different national traditions.

See also: Hofmann, Hoffman, Hoffmann. The name Hofman appears in historical records dating from the Middle Ages in Dutch- and German-speaking regions and has since dispersed through global migration.