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Origin and meaning of the name Caffrey

What is the origin of the name Caffrey?

The origins of the surname Caffrey are Irish and Scottish. It derives from the Gaelic "O Caomhraigh" or "Mac Comhraidh," which translates to "descendant of Comhradh," a byname meaning 'contract' or 'settlement'. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings, including Caffrey, Kafary, and others. As a given name, it may have been adopted as an anglicized version of the original surname.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Caffrey

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Caffrey

The name Caffrey is an anglicized form derived from the Irish surname "Mac Amhairghile," which translates to "son of Amhlaoibh." It is predominantly found among Irish families, especially those with roots in County Cork and County Waterford. The original Gaelic name is a patronymic, meaning it describes an individual as the son of someone named Amhlaoibh, which itself translates to "devotee of Saint Oliver" or "handsome prince." Over time, the Irish spelling evolved into various anglicized forms, including Caffrey, Cafery, and Kaffery. Today, it is primarily used as a surname in Ireland but can also be found as an uncommon given name elsewhere due to Irish immigration and cultural influence.

Character traits associated with the name Caffrey

Charles Caffrey, a name often synonymous with resilience and resourcefulness, is characterized by an inherent curiosity and thirst for knowledge. His adaptability, a trait honed from diverse life experiences, enables him to navigate complex situations with ease. Caffrey is known for his strong interpersonal skills, establishing connections effortlessly and fostering a sense of camaraderie wherever he goes. His charismatic personality draws people in, making him an engaging and influential figure. A problem-solver at heart, Caffrey displays remarkable ingenuity when faced with challenges, employing unconventional strategies to achieve his goals. However, his impulsive nature can sometimes lead to hasty decisions, a quirk that adds an element of unpredictability to his personality. Overall, Charles Caffrey is a dynamic and adaptable individual, known for his quick wit, engaging charm, and indomitable spirit.

Popularity of the name Caffrey

The popularity of the given name Caffrey is relatively low compared to more commonly used names in Western cultures. According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States, Caffrey has never ranked among the top 1000 baby boy names since the SSA's records began in 1880. The name appears sporadically and infrequently in birth records over the last century. Similarly, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the United Kingdom shows that Caffrey is rarely used and not listed among the top 1000 names for boys born in England and Wales since 1904. The limited use of the name suggests it is not widely known or favored, although regional variations may exist, particularly among families with Irish roots, where variant spellings such as Caffery or Kennedy (which can be shortened to Caffrey) are more common.

Famous people with the name Caffrey

Notable individuals named Caffrey include:

1. John Cafferty - An American musician and actor, best known as the lead singer of the band The Beaver Brown Band, whose song "Tender Years" was featured in the film "Electric Dreams." He also played the character Eddie in the film "Eddie and the Cruisers" and its sequel.

2. John J. Cafferty - A former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving from 1973 to 1980. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate for environmental protection in the state.

3. Maeve Cafferkey - An Irish television presenter and former medical doctor. She has worked as a newsreader on RTÉ News and currently presents BBC One's daily medical magazine program "Inside Health."

4. Michael J. Cafferty - A distinguished attorney who served as the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island from 2010 to 2015. Prior to that, he held various positions in the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General and was a partner at the Providence law firm Adler Pollock & Sheehan.

5. Paul Caffrey - An Irish actor who has appeared in numerous television shows, including "The Tudors," "Fair City," and "Star Trek: Voyager." He is also known for his roles in the films "Miami Vice" and "Robocop 3."

Variations of the name Caffrey

The name Caffrey has several variants and spellings. Some common alterations include Cafery, Kaffrey, Keffrey, Kayfrey, and Kieffrey. These variations may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation or spelling traditions. In Irish Gaelic, the name could be derived from "O Caomhraidh" which means "descendant of the raven." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of names can evolve, leading to the multiple forms of Caffrey that are found today. It is always important to remember that while the spelling may vary, the name continues to be a unique and distinctive choice for many individuals.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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