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Origins Available: |
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The name Korf derives from the Low German word "korb," which meant "basket." As a surname, Korf was originally occupational, used for a maker or vendor of baskets.
The surname Korf 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.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Korf 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 Korf History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Korf include Korff, Korf, Corff, Corf, Koerff, Koerf, Coerff, Coerf, Kerf, Kerff, Cerf, Cerff, Korfer, Korffer, Koerffer, Koerfer, Korver, Koever, Coever and many more.
Notables of the period with the name Korf were
Many Germans emigrated across the Atlantic to seek better lives in North America. This great migration began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century. Resettlement was particularly attractive to those from Westphalia as a means of escape from poverty and religious persecution. For many Westphalian farmers, the chance to own one's own land was also a major incentive. The process of the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlements centered around Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Among them: