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.
✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
“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 nowQuestion: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chargement de la carte...
Enter the surname you are looking for below:
surnames > philavong
The surname "Philavong" is of Laotian origin. It is a patrilineal name, meaning it is passed down from father to son. Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic...
surnames > phili
The last name "Phili" is of Greek origin and is derived from the personal name Philippos, which means "lover of horses" in Greek. It is a common surname in Greece and among Greek d...
surnames > philik
The last name "Philik" is of Polish origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Polish word "filik," meaning "filer" or "file maker." This name likely would have been gi...
surnames > philip-john
The last name Philip John is of English origin. It is a combination of the first name Philip, which is derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning "lover of horses," and the firs...
surnames > philip-kurian
The last name "Kurian" is of Indian origin, specifically from the Malayalam language spoken in the southern state of Kerala. It is a Christian surname, often used by families with ...
surnames > philip-mark
The last name "Philip" is of Greek origin, derived from the given name Philippos, meaning "friend of horses." The last name "Mark" originates from the Latin name Marcus, which is b...
surnames > philip-mathew
The last name "Mathew" is of English origin, derived from the Hebrew name "Matityahu," meaning "gift of God." The last name "Philip" is of Greek origin, derived from the given name...
surnames > philip-mondal
The last name "Mondal" originates from the Bengali language and is commonly found in the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is derived from the Bengali word "mũdal," m...
surnames > philip-n
The origin of the last name "Philip" is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Philip, which is of Greek origin meaning "lover of horses." It is a common surname in Engli...
surnames > philip-paul
The last name "Paul" is of English, French, and German origin. It is derived from the given name "Paul," which is of Latin origin and means "small" or "humble." The name was popula...
surnames > philip-sankarathil
The last name "Sankarathil" is of Indian origin. It is a combination of the given name "Sankara" (which means auspicious or benevolent) and the suffix "thil" which denotes a place ...
surnames > philip-thampy
The last name "Thampy" is of Indian origin. It is a variant of the name "Thampi," which is a common surname among the Nair community in the Indian state of Kerala. "Philip" is a fi...
surnames > philip-valsan
The last name "Valsan" is of Romanian origin and is derived from the given name "Valentin," which is related to the Latin word "valens" meaning "strong" or "healthy." The name "Phi...
surnames > philiph
The surname Philiph is of German origin, derived from the given name Philip, which is of Greek origin meaning "lover of horses". It is a common surname in Germany and other German-...
surnames > philiphs
The last name "Philiphs" is of Dutch origin, derived from the given name "Philip", which means "lover of horses" in Greek. It is a common surname in the Netherlands and is believed...