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Last Name Phifer

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What is the origin of the last name Phifer?

The surname Phifer is of English origin and derives from the Middle English phrase "atte pyfere," which translates to "at the pivot." It was originally a topographical name for someone who lived near a movable pivot used in a windmill or gate, or possibly a metonymic occupational name for a maker or repairer of such structures. The term evolved over time into the modern form Phifer, with variations including Pheiffer, Feiffer, and others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Phifer

The meaning and origin of the last name Phifer

The surname Phifer is an anglicized version of several Old English and Norman French names, primarily derived from the Old English "pipe" or "pifa," which means "pipe" or "minstrel," or the Old French "piphera" or "piffera," meaning "piper" or "flute player." This surname was likely originally given as an occupational name for a musician who played the pipe or flute, or it could have been a nickname for someone thought to resemble a piping or musical instrument. The name Phifer is also found in various regions of England and Ireland due to its Norman French origins, where it may have been brought by Normans after the Conquest in 1066.

Geographical distribution of the last name Phifer

The surname Phifer is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, with significant concentrations in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., it is most frequent in states like Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri, reflecting its historical origins in the Southern region. In the UK, it is more common in England, particularly in the counties of Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, and Warwickshire. The name also appears sporadically in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and Ireland. The geographical distribution suggests a possible origin from Anglo-Saxon or Norman settlers in the Middle Ages, although this has not been definitively proven.

Variants and spellings of the last name Phifer

The surname Phifer has several variations and alternate spellings. Some of these include Phyfer, Phiffer, Phyffer, Phyferre, Phyfir, and Pheiffer. These variations may have arisen due to spelling errors during historical record-keeping or as a result of regional accents and dialects influencing the pronunciation and subsequent orthography of the name. Additionally, it's worth noting that the name can also be found in its feminine form Phifer-Reid or Phyfer-Reid due to patronymic naming practices common in some cultures. Ultimately, these variations highlight the adaptability and resilience of the surname throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Phifer

Notable individuals with the surname Phifer include:

1. Hill Harper (born 1966), an American actor and author, best known for his role as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes on the CBS television series CSI: NY. He has also written several books, including Letters to a Young Brother and The Conversation: How Seemingly Small Decisions Can Change Your Life.

2. Karyn Parsons (born 1968), an American actress, producer, and founder of the non-profit organization, Sweet Blackberry, which focuses on educating children about African-American history through animated stories. She is known for her role as Hilary Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

3. Marvin Phife Dawg Bailey (1970-1998), an American rapper and member of the hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest. Known for his energetic performances and unique rhyming style, he was a significant figure in the East Coast hip-hop scene in the 1990s.

4. Rashad Phifer (born 1983), an American professional basketball player who played for several teams in Europe and briefly in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was selected by the Timberwolves as the 27th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft.

5. Wanda Phifer (born 1964), an American former professional basketball player who played for four seasons in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She won a WNBA championship with the Houston Comets in 1997 and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1998 All-Star Game.

Genealogical research on the last name Phifer

The surname Phifer originated in England and is believed to be of Norman descent. It's thought to be a variant of the French surname Pheiffer or Peiffer, which came from the Germanic given name Pfalz, meaning "palace" or "fortress."

Early records show that the name was spelled variously as Phyffer, Pheiffer, and Peiffer in different parts of England. Some of the earliest known bearers of this name include Robert Phyffer, who was recorded in the Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire in 1379, and John Phyffer, who was listed in the Feet of Fines for Gloucestershire in 1402.

The surname Phifer began to appear more frequently in America in the late 17th century, with many early immigrants settling in Virginia and later migrating to other colonies. Notable individuals bearing the name Phifer include John Phifer, a member of the Continental Congress from South Carolina during the American Revolution; and William Henry Phifer, a Confederate general during the American Civil War.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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