NomOrigine Background

Last Name Affleck

What is the origin of the last name Affleck?

The last name "Affleck" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Athelhard," which combines the elements "athel," meaning "noble," and "hard," meaning "brave" or "strong." Over time, variations of the name such as Avelock, Athell, Atheloke, and Athill, eventually led to Affleck as the modern spelling. The name Affleck is quite rare and predominantly found in Scotland and a few other English-speaking countries. Notably, there are several notable individuals with the surname Affleck, including actors Ben Affleck and his brother Casey Affleck.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Affleck

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Affleck

The meaning and origin of the last name Affleck

The surname Affleck is of Scottish origin and derives from the Old English words "afflecke" or "affleck", meaning "oak field". It is a locational surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name were associated with a place named Affleck. Several places in Scotland, such as Affleck Castle in Fife, have likely contributed to the adoption of this surname. The name Affleck could also be an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Amhlaibh, meaning "son of Aulay". Interestingly, the surname Affleck gained significant popularity and recognition worldwide due to the acclaimed American actor Ben Affleck. As a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, his success has made the surname familiar to many. Today, Affleck, despite its Scottish roots, can be found in various English-speaking countries, serving as a testament to the widespread influence of migration and cultural exchange.

Geographical distribution of the last name Affleck

The surname Affleck demonstrates a rather limited geographical distribution, mainly concentrated in North America and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the name is most prevalent in the New England region, particularly in the state of Massachusetts, where notable individuals such as the well-known actor Ben Affleck hail from. Other areas with a significant presence of the Affleck surname in the US include Pennsylvania and New York. Moving across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom also has a notable concentration of the name, with Scotland being the primary region, particularly in areas such as Glasgow and Lanarkshire. It is worth noting that the name's origins can be traced back to Scotland, which could explain its prevalence in this region. Despite its limited distribution, the surname Affleck carries a sense of prominence through the achievements of the famous Affleck family members in the entertainment industry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Affleck

The last name Affleck may have several variations and spellings due to the evolution and adaptation of surnames over time. Some potential variations of Affleck might include Afflect, Afflick, or Afflec. These alternative spellings could have resulted from regional accents or dialects, clerical errors, or even deliberate family choices. Additionally, Affleck could have been modified further depending on cultural or linguistic influences in different countries where the name may have migrated. For instance, in Scotland, where the Affleck name has a significant presence, variations such as O'Flook or MacAffleck might be found. It is important to note that surnames often undergo changes across generations, leading to even more diversified versions. Whether due to spelling variations, regional differences, or language influences, these alternative forms of the last name Affleck contribute to the rich tapestry of surnames and family histories.

Famous people with the last name Affleck

The Affleck family has produced two famous and talented individuals: Ben Affleck and Casey Affleck. Ben Affleck, born in 1972, is an Academy-Award-winning actor and filmmaker. He gained recognition for his roles in films such as "Good Will Hunting," "Gone Girl," and "Argo," which he also directed, earning him the Best Picture award. Besides his acting prowess, Affleck is also known for his social activism and philanthropy. Similarly, Casey Affleck, born in 1975, has made a name for himself as a skilled actor and filmmaker. He received critical acclaim for his performances in movies like "Manchester by the Sea," which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The Affleck brothers have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, showcasing their immense talent and contributing to the world of cinema.

Genealogical research on the last name Affleck

The last name Affleck is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English personal name Athel + fleche, meaning "noble arrow." The first recorded instance of the surname was that of William de Akley in the 13th century in the county of Berwickshire, Scotland. Over time, the name underwent various spellings, including Aichelei, Akeley, and Aclay. The Affleck family is known to have long-standing ties to East Lothian and Edinburgh, with prominent members contributing to the local communities and governance. The Afflecks gained prominence in the 19th century when they established the Affleck & Brown department store in Paisley, Scotland, which soon became a leading retail institution. Notably, the last name Affleck has also gained recognition in recent times through the achievements of the famous actor and filmmaker, Ben Affleck, who hails from a different branch of the Affleck family. Today, descendants of the Affleck family can be found worldwide, as many branches have emigrated to various parts of the globe, thereby expanding the family's geographic reach and influence.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Affab khan (Last name)

surnames > affab-khan

The last name "Affab Khan" originates from Pakistan. "Khan" is a common surname in Pakistan and is often used to denote a person's tribal or familial lineage.

Affagard (Last name)

surnames > affagard

The surname Affagard is of French origin. It is a local name from various places in France, primarily in the region of Savoie and nearby Alps. The name is derived from a place name...

Affagato (Last name)

surnames > affagato

The last name "Affagato" is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Italian word "affogato," which means "drowned" or "drowned in coffee." This surname may have or...

Affajv (Last name)

surnames > affajv

The last name "Affajv" does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or unique surname with no widely recognized etymology.

Affane (Last name)

surnames > affane

The surname "Affane" is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Athfheinne," which means "descendant of Athfheinne." It is a locational surname, typically indicating a pe...

Affaq (Last name)

surnames > affaq

The last name "affaq" is of Arabic origin.

Affeld (Last name)

surnames > affeld

The surname Affeld is of German origin. It is a variant of the name Auffield, which is derived from the Old High German personal name "Adolf", meaning noble wolf. Over time, the su...

Affelt (Last name)

surnames > affelt

The origin of the last name "Affelt" is German. It is derived from the old German personal name "Adalhilt," which means "noble battle."

Affeltranger (Last name)

surnames > affeltranger

The last name "Affeltranger" is of German origin. It is derived from the German words "Affel" meaning monkey and "Tranger" meaning walker or carrier, suggesting a possible occupati...

Affini (Last name)

surnames > affini

The surname Affini is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "affino," which means "related or akin." This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who was close...

Afflick (Last name)

surnames > afflick

The surname Afflick is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Áleifr", which means "ancestor's descendant" or "forefather's heir". It was later anglic...

Affliction (Last name)

surnames > affliction

The last name "Affliction" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "affliccioun," which means "suffering" or "distress." It is believed to have been used a...

Affluence (Last name)

surnames > affluence

The last name "Affluence" likely originated as a descriptive surname, derived from the English word "affluence" meaning wealth or abundance. It may have been used to denote someone...

Affolter (Last name)

surnames > affolter

The surname Affolter is of Swiss origin, deriving from the Swiss-German word "Affalter," which means 'monkey handler' or 'ape tamer'. The name may have originally indicated a perso...

Afforadable (Last name)

surnames > afforadable

The last name "Affordable" is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "affordable," meaning "that can be afforded or paid for." It is likely an occupational s...