The Pfeiffer Coat of Arms and Name Meaning
Discover the meaning of Pfeiffer, its origins in Germany, and the story behind a Pfeiffer family crest.
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Origin of the Pfeiffer name
Pfeiffer is an occupational name for a piper or fifer, from Middle High German pfīfer. Town pipers played at festivals, weddings and civic occasions, and others served as military musicians. The name is most common in southern and central Germany, as well as in Austria and Switzerland, while the northern equivalent is Pieper.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Pfeiffer name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Pfeiffer name in Germany. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Austria and Switzerland; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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The complete Pfeiffer pack goes much further: documented origins, early records and family spread, plus a hand-checked coat of arms.
Pfeiffer name FAQ
What does the Pfeiffer name mean?
Piper. Common variants include Pfeifer, Pieper, Fifer.
Where does the Pfeiffer surname come from?
It originates in Germany, and is also found in the United States, Austria and Switzerland.
Is there a Pfeiffer coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Pfeiffer crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Pfeiffer coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Duden Familiennamen; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).