Surname Dollfuß - Meaning and Origin

Dollfuß: What does the surname Dollfuß mean?

The last name Dollfuß is an old Germanic or Austrian surname. It was historically found most frequently in the regions of Tyrol and South Tyrol. The meaning of the surname is not definitively known, but it is believed to stem from the Germanic personal name of "Dolfus," which is derived from the old Germanic word "dolf" meaning "open sea," and the suffix "fuss," which indicates that the person was from the sea.

In the 16th to 17th centuries, citizens of Silesia, Austria, and Bavaria adopted surnames to distinguish themselves, and the Dollfuß family is believed to have come from one of these regions. The name may also have originated as a nickname, since it sounds similar to the German verb "dollfachen" meaning "to chatter."

The name became associated with the Austrian statesman Engelbert Dollfuß, who served as Chancellor of Austria in 1933 and led the country during the rule of the Fatherland Front dictatorship. Engelbert was assassinated by the Austrian Nazis in 1934, cementing his legacy as a symbol of Austrian democracy against the Nazi regime.

Today, the Dollfuß name has spread across Europe and the world, primarily within those of Austrian descent, and is a proud representation of the strength of the Austrian people against oppressive forces.

Dollfuß: Where does the name Dollfuß come from?

Today, the last name Dollfuß is commonly found in Austria and Germany, although there have been some families who have emigrated to other countries in recent generations. In Austria, Dollfuß is especially prevalent in the states of Tyrol and Salzburg, while in Germany it is most common in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Lower Saxony. According to the recent census, Dollfuß is the 486th most popular last name in Austria and the 9050th most popular last name in Germany.

The Dollfuß name is of German origin, and it is thought that the first person to bear this surname was a certain Werner v.Dolffus, of the 13th century. Variations on the name, including Dollfuss and Dolfuss, have also been observed throughout the centuries. Over time, the name has spawned derivative names in Germany such as Dollfußer and Dollfußmann, while in Austria the male variant Dollfußbauer can also be found.

The most famous modern bearer of the name is undoubtedly the Austrian statesman Engelbert Dollfuß, who served as the Chancellor of Austria between 1932 and 1934. He is remembered both for his economic and political reforms as well as for his authoritarian stance as chancellor. His legacy is honoured in Austria today, with streets and other public places bearing his name.

Variations of the surname Dollfuß

The Dollfuß surname has various spellings and variants, some of which include: Dolfuss, Dolfus, Dolfuß, Dollfuss, Dollfus, and Dollfuß. Additionally, surnames of similar origin include Dollfusch, Dollfusser, Dollfußer, Dollfuscher, Dollfussner, Dollfußner, Doelfuss, Doelfus, Doelfuß, Doelfusser, Doelfußer, Doelfussner, and Doelfußner.

The etymology of the surname Dollfuß is believed to have come from the German adjective “dolff”, meaning “stubborn” or “obstinate”. It was likely used as an occupational surname, likely being given to a blacksmith or a shoemaker. Variations of this surname could be found in many other European countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.

In Austria, the spelling was often anglicized to Dolfuss. In Switzerland, the spelling sometimes took the form Dolfuß or Dolfusser. In Germany, the spelling was Dolfus or Dollfus. In some cases, the surnames Dollfuss or Dollfusser also emerged.

The Dollfuß surname is still fairly common throughout Europe today. In many countries, the spelling has changed to suit the local dialect or language. In the United States, the surname may take the form Dolfus, Dolfuss, or Dollfus. In Canada, the surname may be spelled Dolfuss or Dolfose.

Famous people with the name Dollfuß

• Engelbert Dollfuß (1892: 1934): Austrian politician who served as Chancellor of Austria from 1932 to 1934 and who was assassinated in a failed coup attempt by Austrian Nazis.
• Friedrich Dollfuß (1855: 1893): Austrian priesty who served as a Catholic priest in the diocese of Sankt Pölten.
• Ursula Dollfuß (1930: 2019): German Olympic fencer.
• Alfred Dollfuß (1890- 1941): Austrian footballer who played for Austria-Wien and the Austrian national team.
• Gisela Dollfuß (born 1938): Austrian children's author.
• Josef Dollfuß (1902-1965): Austrian operatic bass-baritone who specialized in Mozart and Wagner roles.
• Trude Dollfuß (born 1958): Austrian sculptor, specialising in oil and acrylic.
• Otto Dollfuß (1890: 1947): Austrian World War I veteran and politician who served as Foreign Minister of Austria from 1932 to 1934.
• Heinz Dollfuß (1912: 1975): Austrian footballer who played for Admira Wien and the Austrian national team.
• Egon Dollfuß (born 1950): Austrian theatrical director and actor.

Other surnames

Dollfus