This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Defendorf family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Defendorf Family History

Defendorf Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Diefendorf, Devendorf, Neuendorf, Ohlendorf, Heckendorf, Devenport

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Defendorf family from?

You can see how Defendorf families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Defendorf family name was found in the USA between 1880 and 1920. The most Defendorf families were found in USA in 1880. In 1880 there were 67 Defendorf families living in New York. This was about 72% of all the recorded Defendorf's in USA. New York had the highest population of Defendorf families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Defendorf surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Defendorf ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer was the top reported job for people in the USA named Defendorf. 46% of Defendorf men worked as a Laborer.

View Census Data for Defendorf | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    46%
  • Farmer
    19%
  • Manager
    19%
  • Clerk
    19%

What Defendorf family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 1,000 census records available for the last name Defendorf. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Defendorf census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Defendorf

Passenger Lists

There are 83 immigration records available for the last name Defendorf. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Defendorf immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 81 military records available for the last name Defendorf. For the veterans among your Defendorf ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Defendorf military records

You've only scratched the surface of Defendorf family history

Discover More

What is the average Defendorf lifespan?

Between 1960 and 2003, in the United States, Defendorf life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1996, and highest in 1988. The average life expectancy for Defendorf in 1960 was 61, and 69 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Defendorf

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Defendorf ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Defendorf family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial