Looff

Looff is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "lōbe," meaning praise or commendation. It is also believed to have connections to occupational names for individuals who worked with locks or latches, or perhaps those who were associated with monastic life. The surname is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the northern regions.

Notable individuals bearing the Looff surname include Charles Looff, a Danish-American carousel manufacturer and amusement park pioneer. He is credited with building some of the most elaborate and well-preserved carousels in the United States, many of which are still operational today. His work significantly contributed to the golden age of carousels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Looff Carousel in Spokane, Washington, and the Looff Carousel in Long Beach, California, are among his most famous creations. Other individuals with the surname may have made contributions in various fields, though Charles Looff remains the most widely recognized figure associated with the name in historical context. The surname's presence is generally indicative of a family lineage originating from German-speaking territories.