Surname Zirfas - Meaning and Origin

Zirfas: What does the surname Zirfas mean?

The last name Zirfas is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German term “zirbes” or “zemph”, which translates to “cedar” in English. This name is thought to have been associated with someone who worked near or lived near a cedar tree, as metonymically applied to a place name or was used as an ornamental name. Alternatively, it might have derived from the Middle Low German term “zirve”, which translates to “sweet cedar”.

The surname Zirfas is found mainly in Germany, where it is believed to have been established in the Middle Ages. During this time, it was likely adopted as a surname in its modern form by bearers of the name, often referring to someone who lived near a cedar tree. Alternatively, it could have been adopted by someone who did work related to cedar trees, such as a woodsman or tree cutter, someone who processes cedar, or someone who worked with cedar in another way.

The Zirfas surname can still be found today in Germany and other parts of Europe, with some bearers of the name having moved to other parts of the world. Variations of the surname include Zirbuss, Zeerfuss, Zirfuss, Zirff, Zirfus, Zerf, and Zirs, among other variations.

Zirfas: Where does the name Zirfas come from?

The last name Zirfas is a Germanic surname. It is primarily found in Germany today. The name Zirfas is derived from the Middle High German words "zir" (pine tree) and "vas" (custodian) and can be literally translated as "custodian of the pine tree". It is also likely derived from the Middle High German word "zirbes" meaning a currant bush, elder, or shrub.

The earliest recorded mention of the surname Zirfas appears in German records dating back to the 16th century. During that time, the family was living in the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany, particularly in the villages of Schopp and Maisprach. The family relocated to the Thuringia region of central Germany in the 17th century where they remained until the 19th century.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the Zirfas family spread throughout Germany, with the majority of them still living in the central and southern parts of the country. Some members of the family have also emigrated to other countries, with the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa being the primary destinations.

Today, the Zirfas surname is most common in Germany, though it is also found in other countries around the world. It is not a particularly common surname, however, with only a few thousand people worldwide sharing it.

Variations of the surname Zirfas

The surname Zirfas is derived from the German word for “spill” or “drip” which makes sense given the prominent position of the “z” in the surname. It is believed to be most commonly of German origin but may, however, be of Slavic or Jewish origin as well.

The variants and different spellings of the Zirfas surname are: Zierfas, Zierfuss, Zeirfas, Zeirfuss, Zierfaß, and Zeirfaß.

While the surname is still infrequent and not likely to have many variant forms, other surnames of similar origin could include Zirbel, Zirfel, Zurfahl, and Zurfass.

When looking at surname “clusters” or “clans”, however, Zirfas may be linked to Sterflinger, Sterflinger, Terflinger, Terflinger, Ziefling, Ziefling, Zeifling, Zeifling, and Herzfel.

Finally, when looking at surnames of Jewish origin, it may be related to the spelled Ziflonsky, Zieflonski, or Ziflonski.

All in all, the surname Zirfas is an uncommon but historically rooted surname that is the source of many other related surnames. Variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin reveal a deep history behind the name, likely providing clues to its earliest European roots.

Famous people with the name Zirfas

• Barbara Zirfas, German journalist and television presenter
• Britta Zirfas, German singer and song­writer
• Clemens Von Zirfas, German Germanic Professor
• Erich Zirfas, German cinematographer
• Johann Zirfas, German writer and columnist
• Lorenz Zirfas, German musician and composer
• Mario Zirfas, German photographer
• Paul Zirfas, German physicist
• Sebastian Zirfas, German physicist
• Tobias Zirfas, German journalist

Other surnames

ZirfassZirfaß

Comments or additions to the name "Zirfas"

04.06.2024
Zirfas living in u.k great Britain born here as were my parents. I'm a culinary artist and musician.