Surname Arff - Meaning and Origin
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Arff: What does the surname Arff mean?
The last name Arff is of Germanic origin, and it is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages. The root of the name Arff is likely to have been from the Old High German word "araf", meaning Edgar, implying an ancestor of noble blood. As one of the oldest surnames in Germany, Arff extended across Europe and eventually to North America.
The predominant spelling of Arff is found in Germany, but it can also be seen in other areas of Europe under variations such as Harf, Harff, and Aarf. It is also possible that some families have changed the spelling of their last name to avoid religious persecution.
Arff is typically linked to the Palatine region of Germany which was known for its wine industry. This is suggested by the two crest symbols often associated with the name, a griffin and bunch of grapes. The griffin represents strength and courage, and the grapes imply the abundance and wealth seen in the region.
In modern times, the last name Arff is still associated with the Palatine region, though the name is now used by people around the world. Today, the Arff surname is rarely found in North America, but it is still quite common in Germany, particularly the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, which is the area where the name was first found.
Order DNA origin analysisArff: Where does the name Arff come from?
The last name Arff is most commonly found in the countries of Germany and Holland. This is a fairly uncommon name and is likely derived from a scholarly source, as its roots are possibly connected to Old German origin. Within Germany, the Arff surname is mostly found in the western/southwestern corner, in both cities and rural areas. The largest concentrations are in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and Hesse. In The Netherlands, the most common locations of those with the surname Arff are found in the north, primarily in the provinces of Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe.
Given the age of the surname, it is believed that it has likely been passed down from generation to generation over the centuries. There are records of the name dating back as far as the 17th century in Germany. The name is also seen in entries in US census reports from the mid-1800s, although those families are likely to be of German descent. It is most likely that those with the surname today still have relatives living in their ancestors’ countries of origin.
Due to its age and lack of distribution, the Arff surname is considered fairly uncommon in modern times.
Variations of the surname Arff
The surname Arff is an old Germanic name which has evolved over the centuries. Today, the name is represented by a range of spellings and variations, including Arf, Arff, Arfah, Arfe, Arfel, Arft, Erf, Erff and Erft. The various spellings can be attributed to how names were originally written being dependent upon the regional variations in dialect and the literacy of the scribe.
The earliest known spelling of the name Arff dates back to the 17th century, when two individuals with the name were recorded in the Büchenbach Church Book in Bavaria. During the 18th and 19th centuries, variants of the name began to become established in America and other parts of Europe. In England, the variant Erff is most common, whereas in America the variations Erf and Arff are most popular.
The variations of the surname Arff are a combination of diminished spelling, dialectal uncertainty and cultural changes. Depending on the time, place, and language, the name can be spelled one way or another. The most important thing about the name is that it has been passed down through generations, and today remains a source of pride and heritage to its bearer.
Famous people with the name Arff
- William J Arff: William J. Arff is an American politician who served as the mayor of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin from 2003 to 2019. He was the first African American to serve in the position.
- Robert Arff: Robert Arff is a Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays for 100 Ciudades Sport Club as a defender.
- Ryan Arff: Ryan Arff is an American actor known for his starring role in the film The Zombie Diaries.
- Erika Arff: Erika Arff is a Swedish professional tennis player.
- Richard Arff: Richard Arff was a Dutch Prisoner of War who died in captivity during World War II.
- Tikki Arff: Tikki Arff is a Dutch model, actress, TV presenter and singer.
- Soph Arff: Soph Arff is an Afrikaans singer and television presenter.
- Hunter Arff: Hunter Arff is a professional drag racer.
- Felix Arffmann: Felix Arffmann was a German zoologist who lived in the late 18th century.
- Harry Arffman: Harry Arffman was an American professional baseball player who played in the Major League in the 1930s.