Kaufer

Kaufer is a surname of German origin. The name is commonly understood to derive from the Middle High German Käufer, meaning buyer or merchant, and likely originated as an occupational name for someone who bought and sold goods. Over time, regional spelling variations emerged, including Kaufer and Kauffer; Käufer remains the standard German form with umlaut. In Anglophone contexts the umlaut is often dropped, producing Kaufer.

Geography and distribution: The surname is attested in German-speaking areas and in countries with German diasporas, notably the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. It appears in genealogical records from the 18th to 20th centuries, reflecting waves of migration.

Variants and related names: Related spellings include Käufer (the original German form), Kauffer, and other localized variants. The name is primarily occupational in origin and is not tied to a specific place.

Notable people: There are no widely recognized individuals known to have the surname Kaufer who have held major public roles; however, local figures may exist and be recorded in regional sources.

See also: Käufer, Kauffer.