Show ContentsLaffin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Laffin is derived from a child. The surname Laffin is derived from the French "l'enfant," or perhaps from La Font or La Fin, which are both found in French records.

Early Origins of the Laffin family

The surname Laffin was first found in counties Tipperary and Wexford (Irish: Loch Garman), founded by Vikings as Waesfjord, and located in Southeastern Ireland, in the province of Leinster, where they were granted lands by Strongbow after the invasion of Ireland in 1172.

Early History of the Laffin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Laffin research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1200 is included under the topic Early Laffin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Laffin Spelling Variations

Names were simply spelled as they sounded by medieval scribes and church officials. Therefore, during the lifetime of a single person, his name was often spelt in many different ways, explaining the many spelling variations encountered while researching the name Laffin. Some of these variations included: Laffan, Laffin, La Font, Laffhan and others.

Early Notables of the Laffin family

More information is included under the topic Early Laffin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Laffin migration to the United States +

Irish immigration to North American began in the late 18th century as many Irish families desired to own their own land. This pattern of immigration grew slowly yet steadily until the 1840s. At that time, a failed crop and a growing population in Ireland resulted in the Great Potato Famine. Poverty, disease, and starvation ravaged the land. To ease their pain and suffering the Irish often looked upon North America as a solution: hundreds of thousands undertook the voyage. Their arrival meant the growth of industry and commerce for British North America and the United States. For the individual Irishman, it meant survival and hope, and the opportunity for work, freedom, and ownership of land. The early immigration and passenger lists revealed many bearing the name Laffin:

Laffin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Patrick Laffin, who was recorded in Boston in 1818
  • Ernest and Henry Laffin, who settled in Texas in 1850
  • William I. Laffin, aged 45, who landed in America from London, in 1892
  • Martin Laffin, aged 27, who settled in America, in 1896
  • John Laffin, aged 21, who immigrated to America, in 1896
Laffin Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mary Laffin, aged 38, who landed in America from Dundalk, England, in 1907
  • Lily Laffin, aged 17, who immigrated to the United States from Dundalk, England, in 1907
  • Gertrude Laffin, aged 34, who settled in Providence, R. I., in 1908
  • Agnes Laffin, aged 25, who settled in America from Dublin, Ireland, in 1909
  • Richard F. Laffin, aged 46, who immigrated to the United States, in 1909
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Laffin migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Laffin Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Edward Laffin, along with his sister Mary and brother Peter, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1805
  • Peter Laffin, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1806
  • Mary Laffin, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1808
Laffin Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • Clara F. Laffin, aged 54, who immigrated to Milton, Nova Scotia, in 1916

Australia Laffin migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Laffin Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Joseph Laffin, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Fairlee" in 1840 1
  • Margaret Laffin, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Fairlee" in 1840 1
  • Joshua Laffin, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Fairlee" in 1840 1
  • Eliza Laffin, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Fairlee" in 1840 1
  • Lucy Laffin, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Fairlee" in 1840 1
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Laffin (post 1700) +

  • Paul Laffin, Northern Irish former political research advisor in the European Parliament
  • James Laffin, Irish Artist
  • Dominique Laffin (1952-1985), French actress who appeared in 19 films, nominated for the César Award for Best Actress
  • John Laffin (1922-2000), Australian military historian


The Laffin Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Vincit omnia veritas
Motto Translation: Truth conquers all things.


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) FAIRLIE/FAIRLEE 1840. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840Fairlie.htm


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