| ![Show Contents]() Baffirth History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England There are two distinct sources for the Baffirth surname. Some instances of the surname come from the Old French word "pafard," meaning "shield," and as such, the name may have been a Norman nickname or occupational name either a soldier or an armorer. The name is also thought to have come from either of two minor places in Devon: Pafford in Moretonhampstead or Parford in Drewsteignton, both are derived from the Old English words "pæð" meaning "path," and "ford," meaning "a ford," that is, a low spot where a river may be crossed. The source Old English Bynames lists William Pafard c. 1100-1130. 1 Early Origins of the Baffirth familyThe surname Baffirth was first found in Nottinghamshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Bayford branch of the family originated in either Somerset at Bayford, a hamlet, in the parish of StokeTrister, union of Wincanton, hundred of NortonFerris 2 or in the village and civil parish of Bayford in the East Hertfordshire district of Hertfordshire. In the latter, the family resided there since the reign of King Edward I. 3 Early History of the Baffirth familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Baffirth research. Another 185 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1096, 1156, 1347, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1600, 1615 and 1619 are included under the topic Early Baffirth History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Baffirth Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Baffirth were recorded, including Bafford, Bafforde, Baford, Bayford, Bafore, Pafford and many more. Early Notables of the Baffirth familyMore information is included under the topic Early Baffirth Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Baffirth familyTo escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Baffirth family emigrate to North America: Fred Paffard, and Henry Paffard, who were both on record in the census of Ontario, Canada of 1871; and Thomas Pafford, a bonded passenger who was sent to Barbados or Jamaica in 1688..
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
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