Surname Zapffe - Meaning and Origin

Zapffe: What does the surname Zapffe mean?

The last name Zapffe is derived from an Old Norse word meaning “crisp” or “brisk”. This name is most commonly found in areas with Scandinavian heritage, such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

The surname Zapffe has been traced back to the 1300s in Norway, and it was eventually brought to the United States in the late 1800s. Records show that some of the first Zapffes in the US were immigrants from Norway, making the name primarily associated with Norwegian heritage.

Today, the name Zapffe is relatively rare, but it is still growing in popularity in the US. People with the Zapffe surname are often proud of their Norwegian roots and take pride in their family name and its origin.

In Norwegian culture, the name Zapffe carries relevance in regards to hard work and resilience. It implies that a person may go through hardship, but they still have the capability to excel and influence the world. This perspective of achievement, even in the face of difficulty, is significant to those who carry the Zapffe surname.

Zapffe: Where does the name Zapffe come from?

The last name Zapffe is most likely a Norwegian surname, and is still most commonly found in Norway today. Zapffe is the 831st most common surname in Norway, with about 6200 people who bear the name living in the country. It is also found in other Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Denmark, as well as in the United States, mostly among people of Norwegian descent.

The origin of the name Zapffe is unknown, but it is likely derived from either the Norwegian word for a pre-modern tapestry weaver, "zafyr", or the Norwegian word for the conifer, or cone-bearing tree, "sapfuru".

The Zapffe family has a rich history in Norway and other Scandinavian countries. The notable Norwegian historian and art critic Georg Morgenstierne Zapffe, who is considered one of the most influential Norwegian figures of the 18th century, was born in Norway to the Zapffe family. Additionally, Johannes Zapffe, a noted theologian and professor in 19th century Norway, was born to the Zapffe family.

Today, Zapffe is still a common Norwegian surname. The name is often associated with the Zapffe family, and the Zapffes who make up the 6,200 individuals bearing the last name living in Norway are likely descendants of the original Zapffe family.

Variations of the surname Zapffe

The Zapffe surname can trace its roots back to Northern Europe, in particular Norway and Sweden. The original spelling of the surname is Zapff, and it is believed that the name derives from the Old Norse verb “zampa”, which means to growl or roar.

The surname Zapffe has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, which include Zapf, Japff, Zepp, Zeppa, Schapf, Schapp, Sjapff and Schaapf.

The flank of the Zapffe family is the oldest and most common spelling of the Zapffe name. It can be found in records in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. It is believed that the flank version of the surname has been used since the 17th century.

The Zapffe surname is also commonly spelled ‘Zapf’. This variant of the surname can be found in various parts of Europe, including Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Netherlands, and even the United States. It is believed that the Zapf spelling of the surname originated from a Latin transcription in the 14th century.

The Zapffe variant of the surname is also commonly spelled ‘Japff’. This variant of the surname is most commonly found in southern Germany, Switzerland, and parts of Austria. It is believed that the Japff variant of the Zapffe name was created in the 15th century, when Austrian Germans adopted the Zapffe name.

Overall, the Zapffe surname has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, which includes Zapf, Japff, Zepp, Zeppa, Schapf, Schapp, Sjapff, and Schaapf. Despite centuries of migration and changes in spelling, all of these surnames can be traced back to the original Norwegian Zapff surname.

Famous people with the name Zapffe

• Vidar Zapffe (1895-1969), Norwegian philosopher, mountaineer and parapsychologist.
• Christian Zapffe (1776-1845), Norwegian whaler and captain.
• Peder Cappelen Zapffe (1873-1937), Norwegian lawyer and politician.
• Paul Olaus Zapffe (1943-2017), Norwegian biologist, philosopher, mountaineer, and author.
• Edgar Zapffe (born 1978), Norwegian novelist, playwright, and columnist.
• Marita Zapffe (born 1965), Norwegian actress best known for her role in the movie Soria Moria Slott.
• Even Zapffe (1889-1963), Norwegian engineer and land surveyor.
• Edvard Zapffe (1880-1926), Norwegian art critic and poet.
• Bjørn Zapffe (born 1959), Norwegian music producer and songwriter.
• Tage Zapffe (1906-1979), Norwegian alpine skier and ski instructor.

Other surnames

Zapff