Surname Giffard - Meaning and Origin

Giffard: What does the surname Giffard mean?

The last name Giffard is of Old French origin and can be traced back to a family that lived in an area known as Giffard in Normandy, France. The surname is derived from the Germanic personal name Giffard, composed of the elements "gisil," meaning "pledge" or "hostage," and "hard," meaning "hardy," "brave," or "strong." Therefore, the name Giffard can be interpreted to mean a strong pledge or brave hostage. The name was brought to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, and many descendants of the Giffard family can be found in England today. Over time, the spelling of the name has varied in different regions, with variations including Gifford, Gyfford, Gifferd, and others.

Giffard: Where does the name Giffard come from?

The surname Giffard is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the personal name "Gifferd" or "Gifhard." The name has Old German root elements, "Gebi" meaning "gift" and "Hard" meaning "brave," "hardy," or "strong." It appears as early as the 11th century in Britain, particularly in Devonshire, after the Norman Conquest.

According to the records, Giffards were vast landholders in the region. One known prestigious Giffard family hails from Chillington Hall in England. A nobleman named Walter Giffard came to England in the 1066 Norman Convoys with William the Conqueror and received lands. A few also played significant roles in medieval England's politics: Osbern Giffard, a Norman knight in the 11th-century and John Giffard, a prominent 13th-century English baron.

Today, the Giffard surname is not considerably common anywhere. However, you will discover the name predominantly in European countries, specifically England and France, and North America. This could reflect the historical movements and translations of people with the Giffard surname over centuries. Regardless, it remains less widespread even within these areas today.

Variations of the surname Giffard

The surname Giffard has seen numerous variations in its spelling over the centuries, often influenced by regional dialects and transliteration from other languages. Some alternative forms include: Gifford, Giford, Gyfford, Giffart, Gifard, Gyffard, Jefford, Gieffard, and Jefferd.

These spellings, while diverse, reflect the phonetic similarities heard when the name is spoken. Furthermore, the variations may have appeared due to a lack of consistency in spelling rules during the times the names were recorded.

The surname Giffard is believed to be of Anglo-Norman origin and emerged after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It is thought to be derived from the Germanic personal name Gifhard, composed of the elements "gif" meaning "gift" and "hard" meaning "hardy, brave, strong."

There are also variations that have emerged as distinct surnames over time, perhaps due to geographical dispersion or families branching off and modifying the original Giffard name. This includes the surnames Giffords, Giffardson, Giffardy and Gifforde.

One should also consider forms influenced by other languages or adapted for different linguistic backgrounds, such as Giffardi (Italian), Giffardet (French), or Giffardovich (Slavic).

Famous people with the name Giffard

• Hardinge Giffard (1st Earl of Halsbury): A British lawyer, politician, and Lord Chancellor of the UK.
• Walter Giffard (1st Earl of Buckingham): An important English nobleman and a loyal servant of William the Conqueror.
• Godfrey Giffard: An influential 13th-century Bishop of Worcester and Chancellor of England.
• Edward Giffard: An early 17th-century English naval officer, politician, and member of the Virginia Company.
• Penelope Giffard: A British socialite married to jazz musician Kenny Ball.
• George Giffard: A prominent 16th-century English courtier and military commander.
• Admiral John Giffard: A 19th-century Royal Navy officer.
• Maurice de Giffard: A medieval French knight and patron of a famous medieval song.
• Stanley Giffard (Lord Halsbury): A British jurist and Conservative politician who served as Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain.
• Tori Giffard: A British former actress.
• Brian Giffard: A South African military commander.
• Thomas Giffard: A mid-17th century Royalist English politician.
• John Giffard (journalist): An Irish journalist and author.
• Roger Giffard: A 16th-century English Catholic recusant.
• Hardinge Giffard, 2nd Earl of Halsbury: An English peer and inventor.

Other surnames

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