NCCHOWAN-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: Re: Origin of surname "Waff"
Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2000 08:40:49 EST

In a message dated 3/1/00 5:38:56 AM, writes:

<< Does anyone know if the WAFF surname is German---or what?? >>

As you may be aware, the German word or weapon is "Waffe" (as in Luftwaffe
[air force]), which may or may not be an indication of the ultimate origin of
the name. There are currently people with the surname Waff in both Great
Britain and Germany, but what ancestor initially crossed the ocean at what
time and from where is unknown (at least to me). One early ancestor may have
been a George Waffe, who was a captain of the guards in Virginia around 1701
(perhaps he came over on a British troop ship and stayed). There are other
records indicating Waffs in Virginia as late as the 1760s, the same decade
that they start appearing in NC marriage records. My own earliest known
definitely connected (thru bible records) ancestor is Thomas Waff (will dated
1803; d. about 1805), although a William Waff (dates unknown) is likely his
father. Both lived in the Edenton area. I can give you more details if
desired.

What is your connection to the WAFF surname?

Craig B. Waf

This thread:

• Re: Origin of surname "Waff" by <>