Surname Staffy - Meaning and Origin

Staffy: What does the surname Staffy mean?

The last name Staffy is derived from an old Scottish and English surname. This surname has been around for centuries and originated from the Old English word "staef" which meant a staff-like tree (likely referring to an ash tree). From that word, a number of spellings emerged, including 'staif', 'staiffe', 'staffe', 'staffe', 'staffy' or 'staffey'.

This surname was adopted by families in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumberland in the 13th century. As families moved outside of these counties, the spelling of the name also changed. Records from the 15th century show that several families, bearing the Staffy name, owned lands. It's likely that they took on the name in order to distinguish themselves from other families.

The name Staffy suggests strength, determination and reliability. It's likely that those who adopted the name sought to associate themselves with proud figures and symbols of valour. In some cases, it has been suggested that Staffys were able to gain favour with their local – and noble – communities by accentuating their strength, both physical and moral.

Those bearing the Staffy name are steeped in history, with a strong sense of honour and pride. It is a name that is steeped in history and one that continues to live on.

Staffy: Where does the name Staffy come from?

The last name Staffy is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. People with the last name Staffy have roots to areas across these four countries.

In England, people with the surname Staffy are most heavily concentrated in the counties of Staffordshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire. Staffordshire is believed to be the origin of the name and was likely adopted by people living in the area.

In Scotland, those with the name Staffy mainly live in the central belt, which includes Glasgow and Edinburgh. In particular, the Scottish city of Dundee has a particularly high rate of the name Staffy.

The highest concentration of the Staffy surname is across all four nations is found in England and Northern Ireland. People in both countries are more likely to be found with the name Staffy than anywhere else.

Outside of the United Kingdom, the surname has been found in some areas of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. People with the last name Staffy have also been found in parts of Sweden, Germany, France and Italy.

Overall, the name Staffy is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, however, people with the last name are spread across the world.

Variations of the surname Staffy

The surname Staffy is believed to have originated in Britain and Ireland, and is most commonly found as an anglicized version of the Gaelic or Irish surname Mac an tSagairt, which literally translates from Irish Gaelic as "Son of the Priest". As with any surname, there are many variants and spellings of the same origin, including:

Staffer/Staffar/Stafferty/Staffertey: this variant typically has origins in Scottish Gaelic.

Stapher/Staphar/Staphart/Staphort: this variant is believed to have been derived from Staffordshire in England.

Stafferd/Stafferd/Staftard/Staford/Stafurd/Steford: this variant is commonly found in Scotland, and includes a variety of spellings.

Stevie/Stevey/Stevies/Stevys: this is a diminutive variant of the name stemming from Scotland.

McAntaffy/McAntaffey/McAnTaife/McAntaiff/McAntoine/McAntoyne/McEntoyne: this variant is mainly found in Ontario, Canada, having been brought over by Irish immigrants.

Lastly, MacAntire, MacAnTyre, and McAnTyre are variations believed to be Irish in origin.

With so many variants of the same surname, it can be difficult to trace family histories and connect related individuals. However, as more and more records and databases become available, the task is becoming easier.

Famous people with the name Staffy

• William T. Stafford (American poet)
• Jerry Staffo (American television writer)
• Mary Staffo (Austrian-American entomologist)
• Francisco Staffolani (Argentine military leader and politician)
• Klaus Staffel (German journalist, writer, and media executive)
• Dr. Herbert Staffer (German doctor and engineer)
• Robert W. Staffieri (American real estate industry executive)
• Ernie Staffieri (American voice actor)
• Johnny Staffieri (American football coach)
• Robert Staffieri (American actor)
• Wilbur G. Staffer (American athlete)
• Naomia Staffer (Italian-Argentinian actress)
• Prince Jamie Staffe (British humanitarian and philanthropist)
• Joshua Staffe (American professional wrestler)
• Michael Staffer (American record producer and songwriter)
• Stefan Staffer (German jazz musician)
• Chuck Staffieri (Canadian television producer and director)
• Papo Staffieri (American jazz guitarist)
• Lasse Staffensen (Norwegian actor)
• Eva-Maria Staffan (Swedish diplomat)

Other surnames

StaffStaffanssonStafford