Kealhofer

Kealhofer is a surname of German origin. It is most plausibly a toponymic or occupational surname formed from elements common in German name construction. The suffix -hofer is a frequent component in German surnames and typically denotes a person connected with a farm or estate, such as a farmer or steward. The initial element, frequently rendered as Kahl- or Keh-, may derive from a topographic descriptor or from a place name, suggesting a connection to a particular farm, hamlet, or landscape feature.

Geographical distribution: In modern times, Kealhofer is found among people of German heritage and in diaspora communities. In Germany and Austria there are individuals bearing the name, and it is also present in North America, notably the United States and Canada, as a result of immigration and settlement from German-speaking regions. Smaller populations are found in Australia and other countries with German diaspora communities.

History: The surname is attested in records dating from the early modern period, with higher concentration in areas that historically produced German settlers. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, migration led to its appearance in North American civil and parish records, where bearers integrated into diverse communities.

Notable people: There is no single widely known figure who bears the surname Kealhofer. Individuals with this name have been active in various fields, including academia, business, and public service, often at local or regional levels.