Last Name Giffard

Learn more about the origin of the last name Giffard

The meaning and origin of the last name Giffard

The surname Giffard originates from Old French and Norman roots, dating back to medieval times. It is derived from the Old French term "geis(e)" which means "god" or "spirit," combined with "hard," meaning "strong" or "brave." This name was often given to individuals who were considered exceptional or blessed by God, or who possessed valiant qualities. Over time, it evolved into various spellings such as Giffard, Giffart, Gifford, and others due to phonetic changes and regional variations in English spelling and pronunciation. The name became more common among the Normans who invaded England in 1066 and was later adopted by many families across England and its colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Giffard

The surname Giffard has a significant presence primarily in England and France. In England, it is most common in the counties of Dorset, Hampshire, and Somerset, with historical records dating back to the Norman Conquest in 1066. In France, the name is predominant in Normandy, suggesting its Norman origin. The name also has a presence in various parts of the British Isles due to migration, including Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Outside Europe, the Giffard family has established settlements in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, primarily due to emigration from England and France during colonial times and later periods. The distribution of the name reflects its historical roots in Normandy and its subsequent dispersion through migration and colonial expansion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Giffard

The surname Giffard possesses several variations and spellings, reflecting its historical evolution and regional differences. Some common variants include Gifford, Gyffard, Jyffard, Giffart, Gyffardt, and Ifard. These variations arise from changes in spelling conventions over time and the use of different dialects or orthographies. In addition to these versions, there may also be regional differences due to phonetic adaptations. For instance, in France, the name has been recorded as Geoffart and Geffard, while in Quebec, Canada, it is sometimes spelled Giffard-Beaupré. These variations emphasize the versatility of the name while maintaining its original core.

Famous people with the last name Giffard

Notable individuals with the surname Giffard include:

1. Charles Giffard (1825-1905), a British naval officer who served as First Sea Lord from 1873 to 1874 and was instrumental in establishing a network of undersea cables for telegraph communication between Britain and its colonies.

2. Aimée Margaret Giffard (1860-1953), an English actress who appeared in several plays and films during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, including the title role in "The Lady of Lyons" at London's Royalty Theatre.

3. Sir Arnold Giffard (1874-1960), a New Zealand engineer who designed and built many notable structures such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Wellington Cable Car.

4. James Gifford (1925-1994), an American actor known for his roles in movies like "The Great Escape" (1963) and "Midway" (1976).

5. Sir Richard Gifford (1815-1888), a British diplomat who served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Greece from 1854 to 1858 and was instrumental in negotiations that led to the Treaty of London, which ended the Crimean War.

6. Sir William Giffard (1030-1109), an English prelate who served as Bishop of Winchester from 1078 until his death. He played a significant role in the Norman Conquest of England and was one of the most influential figures of the late Anglo-Saxon period.

Genealogical research on the last name Giffard

The Giffard surname is of Norman origin, derived from the Old French "givre" meaning "hoarfrost." The name was introduced to England by the Normans following their conquest in 1066 and became common in southern England. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is that of Richard Giffard, who was granted lands in Sussex by William the Conqueror. Over time, various branches of the Giffard family emerged, with notable families residing in Dorset, Worcestershire, Devon, and Warwickshire. The Giffard family played a significant role in English history, with members serving as Lords Chancellor, Bishops, and Barons. Notable figures include Thomas de Giffard, who fought at the Battle of Agincourt, and Robert Giffard, who was created Baron Giffard in 1440 by Henry VI. The surname Giffard remains common in England and has also been found in Ireland, where it is believed to have been brought over during the Norman invasion.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "giffard"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 29 July 2025