The etymology of the name suggests it may originally have meant "the settlement of Horte", Horte being and old Scandinavian male name.[2]
Among historical landmarks can be noted Hofterupsdösen, a stone chamber tomb from the Neolithic (stone age), and the well-preserved medieval Hofterup Church. Järavallen Nature Reserve, one of Skåne's largest public recreation areas, is in Hofterup. In Hofterup lies also Barsebäck Golf & Country Club - regarded as one of the top golf courses in Europe. The 2003 Solheim Cup was hosted here, as well as several Scandinavian Masters tournaments.