The Kaufman Family History

What Does the Kaufman Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Kaufman is of German, Hebrew (Jewish), and English origin, deriving from the Old English term ‘ceapmann,’ which denotes an individual engaged in trade as a merchant, salesman, or barterer. Variations of the surname include Kauf, Kauffmann, Kofman, and Kauffman. In Germany, the earliest Kaufman families were predominantly located in the Hanover region. In England, the surname is particularly concentrated in cities such as London, as well as counties including Essex, Kent, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, Northumberland, and Durham. In the United States, the initial waves of Kaufman families settled in states like New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Notable individuals bearing the Kaufman surname include Canadian writer Andrew Kaufman, entertainer Irving Kaufman, novelist and screenwriter Millard Kaufman, professional football player Mel Kaufman, film director Philip Kaufman, comic and actor Andy Kaufman, Lloyd Kaufman, who co-founded Troma Entertainment and served as a film director, producer and director Charles Kaufman, early documentary film producer and director David Kaufman, author and journalist Herbert Kaufman, celebrity violinist Louis Kaufman, and David Spangler Kaufman, recognized as the first Jewish U. Congressman from Texas and the namesake of Kaufman County.