The surname Neff is of German and Swiss origins. It is derived from the Middle High German word "neve" meaning niece, and has been used as a habitational name for someone from a place called Neff, or a topographical name for someone who lived near such a place.
In German-speaking regions, the surname can also be spelled Neef. In Swiss German, it may also appear as Näf. The variant Neville, common in England and Ireland, is likely derived from the French form of the name.
The surname Neff is of Old High German origin, derived from the personal name "Neffo," which was a shortened form of names such as "Nebiot" or "Nebele." The name is believed to have been popularized by the Germanic tribe known as the Alemanni, who inhabited regions that are now part of Switzerland, southern Germany, and France during the Migration Period (approximately 4th to 6th centuries AD). Over time, the personal name Neff evolved into a surname, becoming common among German-speaking populations. Today, variations of the surname Neff can be found in countries with significant Germanic influences, such as Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.
Geographical distribution of the last name Neff
The surname Neff is predominantly distributed across several regions in Europe, particularly Germany and Switzerland. In Germany, it's most common in the Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse states, reflecting its historical roots in these regions. In Switzerland, it's concentrated in the German-speaking cantons like Aargau, Thurgau, and Zurich. The name also has a presence in other European countries such as France, Austria, and Poland due to migration and historical reasons. In the United States, the distribution of Neff is widespread, with significant populations found in states with a high German-American ancestry like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Smaller numbers can be found in Australia and South America, particularly Brazil, as a result of immigration waves from Germany and the USA.
Variants and spellings of the last name Neff
The surname Neff has multiple variations and spellings due to historical and regional differences in transcribing names. Some common variations include Neaf, Naef, Nayf, and Neve. In German-speaking countries, it is often spelled Nach or Naach. In some instances, the name can also be found as Neefe, Neffe, Neif, or even Nief, though these are less common. Additionally, the name may have originated from nicknames such as "the nib" or "the nephew," derived from Middle High German "nīv" meaning nib or Nepo, a diminutive of Nicholas in Latin. The various spellings and origins highlight the rich cultural history associated with this surname.
Famous people with the last name Neff
Notable individuals bearing the surname Neff include:
1. Frank Neff (1869-1937), an American architect known for his designs in Chicago, including the Chicago School-style Marquette Building and the Rookery Building.
2. George Neff (1904-1975), an American jazz double bassist who played with Duke Ellington's orchestra from 1939 to 1946.
3. John Neff (1924-2015), a successful U.S. investor and mutual fund manager, best known for his tenure at the Walter Scott Company, where he managed the Windsor Fund.
4. Melinda Neff (born 1986), an American ice hockey player who won a gold medal with the United States women's national ice hockey team at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
5. Robert Neff (1861-1947), an American journalist and author who spent much of his life in Korea, where he wrote extensively about the country's history and culture.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as architecture, music, finance, sports, and journalism.
Genealogical research on the last name Neff
The Neff surname is of Old German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "neve," meaning nephew. It is believed to have been an occupational name for a foster-child or a kinship name for someone's son-in-law. The earliest record of the name in England dates back to the 12th century, where it was recorded as Neuf or Neuve. Over time, various spellings and regional variations emerged due to differences in transliteration and phonetic interpretations. Prominent figures with the last name Neff include Jacob Neff, a Pennsylvania German minister, and Edward Neff, an American physicist who made significant contributions to the study of electromagnetism in the early 20th century. The Neff family is also known for its involvement in various industries such as glassmaking, banking, and agriculture.
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