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![Show Contents]() Koerfer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany
The name Koerfer derives from the Low German word "korb," which meant "basket." As a surname, Koerfer was originally occupational, used for a maker or vendor of baskets. Early Origins of the Koerfer familyThe surname Koerfer was first found in Westphalia, where the family became noted for its many branches within the region, many houses acquiring a status and influence which rivaled that of the landed aristocracy. In their later history some branches were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they distinguished themselves through their contributions to the social, political, and economic developments of the nation. Individual bearers of the name first mentioned in ancient chronicles include Henricus Corf, a knight who was raised into the noble class of Westphalia in 1241. Early History of the Koerfer familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Koerfer research. Another 324 words (23 lines of text) covering the years 1380, 1483, 1578, 1692, 1697, 1734, 1740, 1766 and 1815 are included under the topic Early Koerfer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Koerfer Spelling VariationsIn the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Koerfer include Korff, Korf, Corff, Corf, Koerff, Koerf, Coerff, Coerf, Kerf, Kerff, Cerf, Cerff, Korfer, Korffer, Koerffer, Koerfer, Korver, Koever, Coever and many more. Early Notables of the Koerfer familyAnother 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Koerfer Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Koerfer familyFor many Germans, emigration to North America was an inviting alternative to the trials of life in the old country. From the mid-17th into the present century, thousands of Germans migrated across the Atlantic. They capitalized on the chance to escape poverty and persecution, and to own their own land. After 1650, Germans settled throughout the states of Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many also landed in Canada, settling in Ontario or father west on the rich land of the prairies. Among them: Henrich Korff, a Hessian soldier on record in North America in 1777; Gerrit Korver, who arrived in Iowa in 1856; Joseph Korff, who landed in Philadelphia in 1804.
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