Chaffay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Chaffay is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a bald headed man. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the French expression le chauve, which means "the bald one."

Early Origins of the Chaffay family

The surname Chaffay was first found in Dorset where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Chaffay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chaffay research. Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Chaffay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Chaffay Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Chaffay have been found, including Chafy, Chafe, Chafee, Chafey, Chaff, Chaffe, Chaffee and many more.

Early Notables of the Chaffay family

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

Migration of the Chaffay family to Ireland

Some of the Chaffay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Chaffay family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Chaffay surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Thomas Chaffee who settled in Hingham Massachusetts in 1637 and moved to Swansea by 1660; Matthew Chaffee settled in Boston in 1630; James Chaffey settled in New England in 1762.