Surname Neff - Meaning and Origin
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Revealing Paths of Heritage and Identity: My Experience with the iGENEA DNA Test
When I took the iGENEA DNA test, I was apprehensive about the potential changes it could bring to my understanding of my personal identity and heritage. The surname 'Neff' has always been a symbol of unity, strength, and pride within my family, and I felt some trepidation about what the revelations of my DNA could bring. As it turned out, this journey into my past not only broadened my perception of my heritage and identity but also reaffirmed the pride and significance I ascribe to my surname.
V. Neff
read moreNeff: What does the surname Neff mean?
The last name Neff is a German or Ashkenazi Jewish surname which is thought to have originated in pre-medieval Switzerland. The surname derives from the German 'Naf', which originally meant 'duckling'. It is believed to be an occupational name for an individual who was responsible for tending to the ducks on a farm or manor.
The name is also found in certain parts of Europe, mainly Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. Outside of Europe it can also be found in the United States and Canada, where it was brought over by immigrants in the 19th century.
In Germany, the name is usually spelled 'Neff'. The spelling is also seen as 'Naf', 'Naft' and 'Nafz', which are alternate spellings for the same family name.
The members of the Neff family are generally proud of their heritage and strive to keep the traditions of their ancestors alive. They often celebrate family events by hosting a gathering or Kaffee and Kuchen and coming together to remember and honor those who have gone before them.
In addition to helping to remember the history of those who have come before them, the members of the Neff family are known for their strong work ethic and dedication to a job or task they take on.
Overall, Neff is a highly-regarded and honored surname with a history of hard work and dedication to their families and communities. They are a proud people who have a lot to be proud of.
Order DNA origin analysisNeff: Where does the name Neff come from?
The last name Neff is most common in the United States today. It has been found most often in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, in descending order. PA, OH, and IN are also the states that hold the highest number of Neff's in each state respectively.
The Neff name is of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German words "naf" or "nef", meaning "nymph" or "idyllic spirit". The Neff family in Pennsylvania and Ohio most likely descended from German immigrants who settled in these areas in the mid-1700s.
Neff has been a popular last name for quite some time. In 1880, the U.S. Census recorded it as the 370th most common last name in the country. In 2020, the exact same ranking applied, making it a consistently popular name.
Neff has also proven to be an international surname. The name is present in both Austria and Switzerland, where it is among the top 300 most common last names. In the United Kingdom, Neff is the 624th most popular surname. It is also found throughout the rest of Europe in Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, France, and The Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Neff
The surname Neff is a common German surname with several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common of these are:
Neff: This is the most common spelling of the surname. It is found mainly throughout Germany and some parts of Austria.
Neffe: Another German spelling of the surname, which is closely related to the more common Neff.
Naf: Mostly found in Germany, Austria, and some parts of Switzerland, this variation occasionally shows up in spelling.
Neof: Found primarily in Switzerland, this is a rare variant of Neff.
Neufer: Another rare Swiss variant of Neff.
Neuft: Another very rare Swiss spelling variant of Neff.
Neufeld: An uncommon German and Russian variant of the surname.
Neupauer: A rare German variant of the surname.
Nef(f): A less common Dutch and Belgian spelling of the surname.
Nefes: A Turkish spelling variant of the surname.
Naaf: A rare Dutch variant of the surname.
Neeb: A rare German variant of the surname.
Neffelmann: A combination of the Neff surname and German suffix "-mann".
Nehf: A rare German variant of the surname.
Nefwich: A rare variant of the surname found in Germany and Austria.
Neffzger: A rare variant of the surname found in Germany and Austria.
Nafen: A rare Austrian variant of the surname.
Nefen: A rare Russian variant of the surname.
Nefe: A very rare variant of the surname found in Germany, Austria, and Russia.
Neeff: A rare variant of the surname found in Germany and Austria.
Overall, Neff is an extremely common surname and can be found in various spellings and variants in many countries around the world. Variants and spellings such as Neffe, Naf, Neof, Neufer, Neuft, Neufeld, Neupauer, Nef(f), Nefes, Naaf, Neeb, Neffelmann, Nehf, Nefwich, Neffzger, Nafen, Nefe, Neeff, and more can be found in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Turkey.
Famous people with the name Neff
- Selena Neff: Actress
- Derick Neff: MMA fighter
- William Neff: Social media entrepreneur
- Jessica Neff: Reality TV star
- Mike Neff: Drag Racer
- Steve Neff: Concentration camp survivor
- Jennifer Neff: R&B singer
- David Neff: Screenwriter
- Sallie Neff: Political activist
- James Neff: Author