Surname Cafferky - Meaning and Origin

Cafferky: What does the surname Cafferky mean?

The last name Cafferky is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Cathmhaoil. It is thought to mean “son of Cathmhaoil”, which in turn may have roots in “Cath” (warrior) or “maol” (devotee). The name may have originated with a clan or chief in County Sligo, Ireland.

Members of the Cafferky family are thought to have spread throughout Ireland and are associated with the Ulster counties of Donegal, Mayo and Galway. The Cafferky family in America can be traced to at least the mid-1700s, when the first immigrants arrived in Philadelphia.

The Cafferky family is associated with several occupations, including shamrock picking and prospecting for silver. The name is well known in the United States, particularly in areas of Irish heritage, such as Brooklyn and Boston. Thus, the Cafferky family has made its mark on Irish and American history.

Today, the Cafferky family continues to make its mark with a strong presence in Irish-American culture. The name, which has become a part of the landscape of many American cities, has been memorialized by descendants who proudly wear the surname. Furthermore, many Cafferky’s have served honorably in the U.S. military. Ultimately, the Cafferky name has proven itself to be a sturdy and lasting symbol of Irish-American heritage and culture.

Cafferky: Where does the name Cafferky come from?

The last name Cafferky is most commonly found today within the United States. Its roots likely have European origins; many Cafferkys emigrated from western Europe in the mid-1800s, and continue to be found in the US today. Fast forward to 2021, and the last name is most prominently found in the mid-Atlantic and New England states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Cafferky family records show roots in Ireland, Scotland, England, and Germany, although it appears to have Irish origins. Clusters of Cafferkys appear in the Irish counties of Cork, Clare and Donegal, and the nearby Northern Irish counties of Derry and Antrim.

Today, Cafferkys are found scattered throughout the world, but not in large numbers. Many are localized in pockets within the US. Additionally, online records show Cafferkys living in England, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Germany.

In general, the Cafferky surname remains uncommon, although the few people with this name that are found today are proud of their heritage and share a common bond. Many of them are linked through online genealogical resources, including Facebook, making it easier for those with the same name to connect and share their stories.

Variations of the surname Cafferky

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Cafferky can include Cafferky, Cafferkee, Cafferkey, Cafferkie, Cafferkiew, Cafferkye, Caferky, Kafferky, and Kafferkie.

Cafferky is a patronymic surname derived from the personal name Caffer, a diminutive of the Gaelic name Caffar, from the root word “ceall,” which means “rough” or “warlike.” This surname is mainly found in Ireland, particularly in the Province of Connaught.

Variants of this surname have been found in the United States as Cafferky, Cafferke, Cafferkey, Cafferkee, Cafferkie, and Cafferky. The most popular variation is Cafferky, which is found in Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The variant spelling Cafferkie is found mainly in California, Texas, and Florida.

The spelling Kafferky is mainly affiliated with Germany and Austria, and the variant Kafferkie is mainly found in Canada.

Interestingly, some of the variants of this surname have been found in the United States with the spelling Caferky.

The root name Caffer is also found with the surname Cafferty. This surname is usually found in Ireland, but is sometimes found in other parts of the world as Caffery and Cafferty.

In conclusion, the surname Cafferky and variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Cafferky, Cafferkee, Cafferkey, Cafferkie, Cafferkiew, Cafferkye, Caferky, Kafferky, and Kafferkie. Variants of this surname can also include Cafferty, Caffery, and Cafferty depending on the location.

Famous people with the name Cafferky

• Michael Cafferky: American actor, producer, and writer best known for his work in the TV series Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
• Anthony Cafferky: English football (soccer) player.
• Pat Cafferky: Irish Gaelic sportsman and legendary hurler.
• Siobhan Cafferky: former professional Irish badminton player.
• Carole Cafferky: retired American Paralympic athlete.
• Anne Cafferky: Irish poet whose book The Dream Eater was shortlisted for the Hennessy New Irish Writer of the Year award.
• Damien Cafferky: Irish voice-over artist and actor.
• Jenny Cafferky: English actor, singer, and dancer renowned for her role in the movie The Great Gatsby.
• Sarah Cafferky: American executive vice president of television network Fox Broadcasting Company.
• Anna Cafferky: American rapper and songwriter, often referred to as the "Rap God".

Other surnames

Cafferty