Hoffnagel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Hoffnagel

What does the name Hoffnagel mean?

The roots of the distinguished German surname Hoffnagel lie in the kingdom of Bavaria. The name is made up of two elements, "huf," meaning "hoof," and "nagel," meaning "nail," and was most likely originally borne by a farrier, a maker and fitter of horseshoes.

Early Origins of the Hoffnagel family

The surname Hoffnagel was first found in Nuremburg and Munich, where the name seemed to be concentrated during its early years. The earliest known bearer of the name was Andreas Hufnagel, who lived in Bavaria in 1280. The Low German variation of the name, Hofnagel, could be found during this period in the northern regions of Schleswig-Holstein and Pomerania; Joh. Hofnagel was recorded to be living in Rostock in 1285. The young Hoffnagel family was instrumental during this early period, playing a major role in the development of medieval German society.

Early History of the Hoffnagel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hoffnagel research. Another 143 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1280, 1285, 1387, 1430, 1490, 1545, 1600, 1688 and 1701 are included under the topic Early Hoffnagel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hoffnagel Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Hufnagel, Huffnagel, Hofnagel, Hoffnagel, Hoofnagle, Hofnagle, Hoffnagle, Hufnagle and many more.

Early Notables of the Hoffnagel family

More information is included under the topic Early Hoffnagel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hoffnagel family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Arnold Hufnagel, who settled in Philadelphia in 1734; Johannes Hufnagel, who emigrated from the Palatinate to Pennsylvania in 1752; Leonhard Hufnagel, a Hessian mercenary who settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia after fighting in the American Revolution, Christopher Hofnagel, who immigrated to Philadelphia in 1792.