Surname Siffrin - Meaning and Origin

Siffrin: What does the surname Siffrin mean?

The last name Siffrin is of Germanic origin, with roots in both Germany and Austria. Derived from the Old German words “sif” meaning peace and “rin” meaning judge, Siffrin can be roughly translated to mean “peace judge” and is believed to have been used as an occupational surname, typically associated with the legal profession in German-speaking countries. It is believed that the Siffrin surname was likely given to people who acted as arbitrators, those who settled disputes and ensured justice was served.

The Siffrin surname is found in countries across Europe, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Austria and Germany. It is uncommon in the United States, although there is an estimated 139 people living in the US today who bear the surname. The Siffrin name is also relatively enduring, as records of this name go back to the 15th century in Germany.

Historically, the Siffrin last name may have been chosen to reflect a person’s profession during the Middle Ages. Today, it is still a source of pride and a connection to ancestors of Germanic heritage. It is also an interesting reminder that people once viewed the act of rendering justice to be a tranquil process - something to be celebrated and ideally sought after.

Siffrin: Where does the name Siffrin come from?

The last name Siffrin is most commonly found in the United States. According to a records search of recent census data, there are upwards of 2000 people in the United States currently living with this last name. It is of German origin and was likely prevalent in the United States in the early 20th century due to German immigration prior to World War II. It can also be found in small numbers in other countries throughout Central and South America, Europe, and Australia.

The name can be broken down into two distinct parts, ‘Siff’ and ‘rin’. Siff likely has a connection to the Middle Low German word ‘sif’, which translates to ‘victory’. Rin is a definable suffix that is often associated with German names, which could indicate a geographical origin.

The name can also be found in its many variants such as Syfert, Schiffrin, Schifferin, and Schiffrin. Additionally, there are various surnames in Germany, usually in Northern Germany, that use the Siffrin prefix.

In general, Siffrin is not a common name in the United States but is well-represented in small numbers. The likelihood of finding a person with this name outside of the United States is not especially high, with Germany having the highest likelihood.

Variations of the surname Siffrin

Siffrin is a surname of German origin. One of the earliest records of this surname appears in the German Census of 1895. Variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Sifferlin, Siferlin, Zifferlin, and Sieferlin.

The Siffrin spelling of the name is thought to derive from the German word “Siffer”, which means “friction”. This suggests that the surname was likely first used to describe a person who worked with materials that created friction. Alternatively, the word “Siffer” may also stem from an old German version of “zephyr” – a light breeze.

The surname Siferlin is believed to have derived from the Middle High German word “Ziffer”, which means “number”. It was likely given to a person who worked with numbers, or as a nickname for someone who liked to count.

The Zifferlin spelling of the name originated from the same Middle High German “Ziffer” as the Siferlin variation. Additionally, the last name Zifer can be related to this spelling, as it is derived from the medieval given name “Ziffer”.

Sieferlin is a variant spelling that is thought to originate from the same word as Siferlin and Zifferlin – “Ziffer”. This suggests that the original bearer of the name Sieferlin may have had an occupation or hobby related to numbers, or may have simply been known for counting things or working mathematics problems.

Overall, the surname Siffrin is derived from a German word meaning “friction” or “zephyr”, and it has several related spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Sifferlin, Siferlin, Zifferlin, Sieferlin, and Zifer.

Famous people with the name Siffrin

• Catherine Siffrin: a German model, actress, presenter and a former Miss Germany.
• Max Siffrin: an American football offensive tackle who played in the National Football League for the Washington Red Skins in 1947 and 1948.
• Clifford Siffrin: an American athlete who represented the United States in the 100 meter sprint at the 1984 Munich Olympics.
• Arthur Siffrin: a Canadian actor who's best known for his role in the 2008 comedy movie Role Models.
• Paul Siffrin: a German author who wrote the book Die Geschichte des Siffrins, which is a historical novel about the history of the Siffrin family.
• John Siffrin: a former Major League Baseball player who played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1970 to 1978.
• Mark Siffrin: an American actor who has appeared in a number of television shows and movies, including The Longest Yard, Rush Hour, and My Name is Earl.
• Gerhard Siffrin: a German politician who served as the Minister for Education and Research from 2002 to 2005.
• Barbara Siffrin: an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has released multiple albums since her debut in 1988.
• Gary Siffrin: an Australian actor who won the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama in 2010 for his role in the TV show The Sleepover Club.

Other surnames

Siffrien