Surname Frift - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Frift: What does the surname Frift mean?
The last name Frift is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word “fryft,” which means nimble or swift. The Frift surname has been around since medieval times, and was likely given to someone who had qualities of speed and agility.
Historically, people bearing the Frift surname may have worked in the mail delivery industry as they had to be both swift and nimble transporting messages between locations. Alternatively, they may have been in industry requiring quick thinking and movements.
The origins of the Frift name may also be traced to other roots as well, such as German and Scandinavian. For example, the German word “frist” means to move quickly, and this is likely the same root from which the Frift surname was derived. Similarly, the Scandinavian word “frift” translates to the act of saving. As such, someone bearing the Frift surname may also have been known for their thriftiness and sense of economy.
Overall, the surname Frift is likely associated with such traits as quick thinking, movement, delivery, and thriftiness. These qualities have likely been associated with the Frift surname for centuries and have become an inextricable part of the Frift family’s heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisFrift: Where does the name Frift come from?
The last name Frift is most commonly found today in the United States and Canada, although it is a relatively rare name in both countries. It is also found occasionally in parts of Europe and Asia. According to the 2020 United States Census, only 565 people in the U.S. had the last name Prift. Most of the people with this name are believed to descended from an ancestor who immigrated to the United States in the 19th century or earlier.
In Canada, the last name Frift is even rarer, with only 39 people recorded as having the name. It could be that its relative scarcity in the United States and Canada is due in part to the fact that the name is not passed down as a traditional family name, as is common in many other regions.
The Frift surname is believed to have originated from the Old French word “fray”, meaning to move around quickly or wander. It was likely adopted by a family in Europe and brought to the United States by immigrants. It is possible the family changed the name when they arrived in America or after they had been in the country for some time.
Most people with the last name Frift today are found in parts of the Midwest, particularly in Ohio and Michigan. However, the name is found in more areas than just these two states, and individuals with the name can be found in many parts of the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Frift
The surname Frift is an Anglicized form of the Germanic name Frithof which is composed of two elements: frid (peace) and hof (court or land). The origin of this surname dates back to the Middle Ages and it was most likely a topographical name for someone who lived near a peaceful area.
The Frift surname has changed over the centuries and numerous variants have evolved. Some of the most common spellings of this name include Fritof, Fridhof, Fridhoff, Fritof, Fritoff, Freethof, Frethof, Fridhoff and Fridhof.
In addition to these spellings, the Frift surname has also developed a number of cipher forms and surnames, such as Freet, Frit, Fritt, Frette, Fritsch, Fryt, Fritsche, Fretton, Fry, Freott, Fritche, Frisch and Friz.
The frequency of other surnames of the same origin as Frithof is just as widespread as Frift, so it's important to remember that these variations are all a part of the larger Frithof family tree.
Famous people with the name Frift
- Beatrice Frift: a British anthropologist who specializes in the psychology of “cuckolding”, which describes the dynamics of relationships between a man and woman in which the wife has multiple sexual partners.
- Lawrence Frift: a British actor, best known for his roles in popular television shows like The Bill and EastEnders.
- Stephen Frift: a British entrepreneur who created the company Friftr, an online marketplace for artisans.
- Sir Francis Frift: a philanthropist and prominent member of the British lower gentry known for his advocacy of education, the preservation of historic buildings, and the protection of wildlife.
- Mary Frift: a British poet and author known for her collection of short stories entitled The Times of Mary Frift.
- Tom Frift: an English football player who made over 500 appearances for West Ham United.
- Stuart Frift: an award-winning British artist specializing in etchings, aquatints, and monotypes.
- Sarah Frift: a British musician and singer/songwriter who is best known for her power-pop singles.
- Isaac Frift: a British mathematician and academic who served as the Head of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge.
- Angus Frift: a British actor and playwright who has starred in a number of stage productions.