Surname Whyffyn - Meaning and Origin
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Whyffyn: What does the surname Whyffyn mean?
The last name Whyffyn is of Welsh origin and is a combination of the word ‘why’ and the suffix ‘-ffyn’. The word ‘why’ is of uncertain origin and could have several possible meanings. It could mean ‘curly’ or ‘crooked’, but it has also been suggested that it is derived from the Welsh word ‘gwif-fyn’, which means ‘son of Wif’. This could lead to the conclusion that the name refers to the son of a certain Wif.
The surname Whyffyn may also be a variation of the name ‘Whitefyn’. The ‘White’ part of this name comes from the old Welsh word ‘gwydd’ meaning ‘white’, which may be linked to the description of someone with blonde hair or fair skin. The ‘Fyn’ suffix is thought to mean ‘son of’, so the name could roughly be translated as ‘son of white’.
Overall, the last name Whyffyn is thought to be an old Welsh name or a variation on the name ‘Whitefyn’ which could mean ‘son of white’.
Order DNA origin analysisWhyffyn: Where does the name Whyffyn come from?
The surname Whyffyn is predominantly found in the U.K., particularly in Wales and England. The surname is derived from the Welsh personal name ‘Gwaithfoen’, meaning ‘serviceable’. It is frequently found in counties such as Denbighshire, Flintshire, Glamorgan, Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire.
The surname is also popular in the United States, particularly the states of Pennsylvania and Virginia. This could be attributed to the wave of Welsh immigrants who settled in America after the Revolutionary War. They brought with them the names of their hometowns and villages, including Whyffyn, which soon became an American surname.
The surname is not as common today, but it is still found around the world. People bearing the surname Whyffyn live in places such as Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and The Philippines.
Whyffyn is also a popular name among celebrities and public figures. The famous American actor, Michael Whyffyn, and the Welsh rugby player, Cian Whyffyn, both bear the name. Other prominent people with the surname include the Welsh scientist, John Whyffyn, and the award-winning American film producer and screenwriter, Jen Whyffyn.
The surname Whyffyn may not be as popular today as it once was, but it can still be found around the world.
Variations of the surname Whyffyn
The surname Whyffyn is believed to be an Anglicized version of the Irish and Scottish surname Mackwhinnie. The original Gaelic spelling for this surname is MacMhuinnidh, which is derived from the Old Norse personal name Múinnuþr.
Variants for this surname include Whyffin, Whiffin, Whiffen, Wiffen, Wyffin, and Wyffen. It is also occasionally misspelled as Whiffyn or Wheffine.
The earliest recorded reference to this surname dates back to the 1201, when an individual by the name of William Whyfyn was recorded in the Charters of Aberdeen. Further early records of this surname include a Richard Whyffyn who was recorded in the 1372 Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire, as well as a John Whyffyn in 1404 in the Poll Tax of Wakefield.
Variants of this surname have spread to various countries and locations around the world, including Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada, the United States, and Australia. Other variant spellings include Quinn, McKinnon, and Mennie.
The spelling for this surname has also changed over the years depending on the various languages and dialects it has come in contact with. For example, in Wales, Whyffyn is sometimes spelled as Wyffenh. In Scotland, it is sometimes spelled as Whyffen or Wyffen. In Ireland, this surname is found as MacMhuinnidh or MacMhinnidh, and in England, it is often found as Whiffin.
Famous people with the name Whyffyn
- Vaughan Whyffyn: Welsh rugby union athlete.
- Myfanwy Mair Whyffyn (1930-2001): Welsh female socialist, scholar, and a Labour National Executive Commitee Member.
- Moyra Whyffyn: Welsh actress, known for her role in A Mind to Kill (1994).
- Charles Whyffyn: British international rugby union player who, in 1920, was part of the British Isles team who toured Australia & New Zealand.
- Gerald Whyffyn: Welsh artist who was most famous for his highly detailed evocative sketches.
- David Whyffyn: English football player who played both association & rugby football.
- Jennifer Whyffyn: Welsh actress, best known for her role in the BBC TV Series "Doctors" (2000).
- David S. B. Whyffyn: Welsh historian, politician and Member of Parliament for Merioneth, Wales.
- Colin Whyffyn: Welsh rugby union player who played for the national team in the 1910s.
- Gwendoline Whyffyn: Artist and sculptor from Wales.