Surname Waffer - Meaning and Origin

Waffer: What does the surname Waffer mean?

The last name Waffer is of English origin and may have derived from the Old Norse name "Vígvarr", a combination of "víg", meaning "battle", and "varr", meaning "defender, guardian". Thus, the name suggests qualities of strength and protection, associated with a warrior or defender in a battle. Like many other surnames, it could also possibly denote a geographical location or occupation linked to an ancestor. However, it is crucial to note that the specific meaning and origin may vary between different families with the Waffer surname, owing to regional differences and evolutionary changes in language over time. It is also relatively rare, further complicating exact determination of its meaning. Family history and genealogy research might provide more personalized insights into the name's significance for different lineages.

Waffer: Where does the name Waffer come from?

The last name Waffer is not overly common today; however, it is mostly found in northern and central Europe. The United Kingdom has the highest density of Waffer names, with records suggesting that it has been present in the country since the 17th century. It is especially prominent in England and Scotland.

The exact origin of the name is difficult to trace, however, there are records that connect it to German and Dutch variants of the Wafen surname. Other sources suggest that it could derive from Dutch, Low German and Scandinavian forms found in Denmark and Sweden as well.

In more recent times, the name has spread to other parts of the world. Today, there are concentrations of Waffer surnames found in the United States, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. It is also present in Canada, Mexico, and France.

Overall, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of the Waffer surname as records are patchy and few. What is known, however, is that it has been used in Europe since the early modern period and has since been spread around the world through migration.

Variations of the surname Waffer

The surname Waffer is generally traced back to the Old English language and is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is a name that has come in various forms and spellings over the years. Some of the related spellings include Waford, Wafford, Waifford, Waffar, Waiffar, Waffarr, Wafferd and Wafford.

The surname Waffer originated in England as an occupational name for someone who worked in the English wafer trade. This trade was highly popular in the medieval era, where wafer cakes were a luxury item that could be sold on street corners. The occupation of a 'wafferer' therefore came about, referring to a baker or vendor of these cakes.

Variations of the Waffer surname are most commonly found across the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire where the name is believed to have originated. As the surname spread further afield, additional variants in spellings emerged, so that it is now also seen as Wafers, Waffers, Waffers, Waferrs and Wafters.

In Scotland, the surname Waffer is most common within Stirlingshire in the central part of the country and within the county of Angus on the east coast. The Scottish variations of the surname include Waud, Waudar and Wauder.

In the United States, the Waffer name is most commonly found on the east coast states, with the highest concentration in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia. Variants of the surname in the US include Waffer, Wafford, Waffron, Waffers and Waffner.

Famous people with the name Waffer

• Grant Waffer: American professional basketball player.
• Henrik Waffer: Swedish jazz musician and producer.
• Joe Waffer: English stage and film actor.
• Lars Waffer: Swedish musician and record producer.
• Dave Waffer: British animator and voice actor.
• Raisa Waffer: Russian figure skater.
• Steve Waffer: English-Australian graphic designer, art director, artist, photographer, and web designer.
• Paul Waffer: English actor and voice actor.
• Sam Waffer: British contemporary artist.
• Chris Waffer: American cinematographer.
• Will Waffer: British television presenter.
• Leah Waffer: American actress.
• Lew Waffer: Canadian artist and author.
• Simon Waffer: English writer and professor at New York University.
• Caroline Waffer: Australian lawyer, businesswoman, and author.
• Krista Waffer: Canadian professional ice hockey player.
• David Waffer: British contemporary artist.
• Lena Waffer: American singer-songwriter.
• Peter Waffer: British screenwriter and producer.
• Roy Waffer: Canadian film and television producer.

Other surnames

WaffenschmidWaffenschmidtWaffenschmied