Surname Saffran - Meaning and Origin
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Saffran: What does the surname Saffran mean?
The surname Saffran is one of the most ancient of Jewish family names, having been used for centuries in various parts of the world. The origin of the surname dates back to at least the thirteenth century, as early records of the family have been found in the archives of Jewish congregations in Europe. The most likely origin of the name is the German word "saffran," meaning saffron, which was an important ingredient in many dishes in the Middle Ages.
It is also possible that the name derives from the Middle High German word "saf:" which meant ribbon, as the surname might have been given to a ribbon-maker or seller.
The name is most common today in countries like Germany, Israel, the United States, and Switzerland. In the United States, it is mainly represented by the few branches descended from German Jews who emigrated to America in the nineteenth century. In other countries, Jews of Eastern European descent often adopted the surname as it was similar to their original surname.
The first recorded spelling of the surname Saffran appeared in 1592, when Jacob Saffran was mentioned in a document in the Basle archives. Today, the surname is most common amongst Jewish families, often adopted when families changed their original surnames. However, in recent decades, it has also been adopted as a first name by some non-Jewish people.
The surname Saffran carries with it a long and varied history, and continues to live on today through its many bearers.
Order DNA origin analysisSaffran: Where does the name Saffran come from?
The surname Saffran is believed to be of Hebrew origin, and is a variant of the given name Ziff. It is most common today in the United States, Israel, and parts of Europe. In the U.S., the surname is found mainly in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, and California. In Israel, it is most often found in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa. In Europe, Saffran is mainly common in Germany, France, and Austria.
The name historically referred to merchants dealing in the expensive spice saffron, or to those who produced or exported it. Many Saffrans came to the U.S. in the 19th and 20th centuries, often having fled persecution in their home countries.
The surname today may be associated with musicians, writers, and those who work in the medical and legal professions. As a relatively uncommon name, many Saffrans may feel a sense of community and belonging when they meet one another, or even simply recognize the similarity of their name.
Variations of the surname Saffran
Saffran is an uncommon surname of Jewish Ashkenazi origin. The spelling of this surname can vary depending on the language that it is used in, the various variants of this name include Safran, Saferan, Safiran, Safiron, Safron, Schafran, Safir, Shafner, and Shafron.
The root of the name is derived from the Hebrew word 'Safar', which translates to 'saffron', a type of yellow flower spice native to parts of Asia. Unsurprisingly, the surname itself is thought to originate from an ancestor or family who once traded and/or sold saffron for a living.
This name is also found in its altered form of Sefran, which is a variant of the name Sefranes or Zaffrana, originating from the Iberian Peninsula. This could suggest that the bearers of this name have Jewish ancestry along the historic trade routes between the East and West.
In less frequent cases, the name Saffran is believed to be derived from the French surname Safran, indicating that individuals by this name migrated to France in times of persecution and strife. This could have been a way of disguising or obscuring their true Jewish identities and overcoming religious prejudice.
Overall, the name Saffran has many variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. While the root of this surname can trace back to Jewish ancestry, the etymology is as varied as the family lineages that have it.
Famous people with the name Saffran
- Ruth Saffran: American linguist and psychologist specializing in child language development.
- Marissa Saffran: international development and humanitarian affairs expert who has worked for organizations such as the United Nations, USAID and the World Bank.
- Richard Saffran: professor of psychology and neuroscience at Rutgers University.
- Alan Saffran: curator at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC.
- Joe Saffran: former NFL running back and special teams coach.
- Larry Saffran: American television writer best known for his work on the shows Law & Order and Judging Amy.
- Laura Saffran: visual artist and founder of the independent film company Dondelium Productions.
- Chuck Saffran: former college basketball coach and founder of the Bay Area Basketball Academy.
- Gabriel Saffran: Argentine barrister, orator, and political activist.
- Meghan Saffran: former softball player for the University of Arizona Wildcats.