Surname Laffey - Meaning and Origin

Laffey: What does the surname Laffey mean?

The last name Laffey derives from the Gaelic name leathbhach, which means “half-baked” or “unripe”. This name is thought to refer to a person who was young or immature in some manner. It is also possible that the name was adopted to describe a person who was foolish or naive. The name is thought to originate in Ireland where it is now most commonly associated.

The Laffey name is also found throughout Britain, particularly in Scotland where variants such as Laughie, Lavey and Laffy were recorded. There is also a presence in various parts of the United States, where the name has been recorded since the late 18th century.

One notable bearer of the Laffey name was Reuben E. Laffey, a lieutenant of the United States Navy who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

Overall, the Laffey surname is a reminder of a family’s Irish roots and an association with an individual who once stood for a sense of bravery and fidelity. Beyond that, it continues to evoke an admiration of one’s inner strength and courage in times of adversity.

Laffey: Where does the name Laffey come from?

The last name Laffey is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the eastern half of the country. It is particularly prevalent in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. It is also well-represented in California.

Laffey is an anglicized version of the Irish (Gaelic) name Ó Laoithigh, or O'Laffey. It has also been present in the U.S. for many generations and, though it is surprisingly uncommon, can even for found in records reaching back as far as the 18th century. It is likely that considerable numbers of immigrants of this surname came to America during the 1800s from primarily Ireland and, to a lesser extent, England.

The most populous areas of the United States where the Laffey surname is found includes large cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC. It is estimated that in 2020, anywhere between 300 and 500 people have the surname Laffey in the USA.

Variations of the surname Laffey

The surname Laffey is of Irish or English origin and has several variants in spelling and surnames of the same origin. The most common of these is Laffy, which is likely derived from the Irish version of the name. Other variants of the name include Lafey, LaFey, LaFry, LeFay, LaFe, and LaFrye.

The surnames of the same origin as Laffey include Laffan, Lavery, Lafferty, O'Laffey, Loughrey, Laffey, and Lafferty. Variations on the spellings may appear within these names as well.

In Irish lore, the name is connected to the Crotta clan, which is a branch of the O'Loughlin clan. The origin of the name may also be derived from the old Irish "laith," which means "learned."

In England, the name is believed to have originated as an occupational name, referring to a tax collector. The spellings in this context often vary between Laffy, Laughy, and Lavery.

The variations in both surnames of the same origin as Laffey, as well as the many altered spellings of the name itself, make it difficult to accurately trace the exact origin of the name. However, there are plenty of indications that the common origin of the surname is related to Ireland or England.

Famous people with the name Laffey

• Chris Laffey: Former U.S. Representative from New York.
• Brian Laffey: Retired United States Marine and former mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island.
• Donny Laffey: Professional skateboarder.
• Matt Laffey: Comedian, writer, and actor.
• Mark Laffey: Retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and Vietnam War veteran.
• Lucy Laffey: British actress.
• Richard Laffey: Retired Rear Admiral and former Commandant of the Militia in the United Kingdom.
• Robert Laffey: Former United States Ambassador to Slovenia.
• Mike Laffey: American screenwriter and producer.
• Colin Laffey: Former professional soccer player from Ireland.
• Reginald Laffey: Former professional rugby league footballer in Australia.
• Corey Laffey: Singer-songwriter, producer, and photographer from the United States.
• Frank Laffey: Award-winning film and television producer and director from the United States.
• Paul Laffey: Professional surfer from Australia.
• Wallace Laffey: American judge and lawyer from the state of Louisiana.
• John Laffey: War correspondent, newspaper editor, and American attorney.
• Luke Laffey: Custom knife maker and owner of Field & Steel Knives.
• Karen Laffey: Award-winning music composer from the United Kingdom.
• Lucia Laffey: Television writer and producer from the United States.
• Lindsay Laffey: Professional equestrian from the United States.

Other surnames

LaffendLafferentzLafferenzLafferty