hoff

Hoff is a surname of German origin derived from the Middle High German word hoff, meaning courtyard, farm, or manor. The name likely originated as a toponymic or occupational designation for someone associated with a manor or estate. Over time, Hoff became established as a family name and spread beyond German-speaking regions through migration.

Today the surname is found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and in several English-speaking countries, especially where German or Dutch ancestors settled. Variants reflecting regional dialects and transliteration include Hof, Hoef, and Hoffmann; in some cases Hoff is a shortened form of Hoffmann.

One widely recognized use of the term in popular culture is as a nickname. The American actor, singer, and television personality David Hasselhoff is commonly known as "The Hoff" and is associated with roles such as Knight Rider and Baywatch. The nickname is often used in media and fan contexts.

Beyond this, Hoff is surname of many individuals across fields such as science, sports, arts, and politics, though none dominates the name's contemporary public profile. In places, the name may appear in geographic or institutional names, though not as a single prominent location.

See also Hof, a related surname and toponym, and Hoffmann, another common German surname.