Paffard History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

There are two distinct sources for the Paffard 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 Paffard family

The surname Paffard 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 Paffard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Paffard 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 Paffard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Paffard Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Paffard include Bafford, Bafforde, Baford, Bayford, Bafore, Pafford and many more.

Early Notables of the Paffard family

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

Paffard migration to Canada +

Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Paffard or a variant listed above:

Paffard Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Fred Paffard, and Henry Paffard, who were both on record in the census of Ontario, Canada of 1871

Citations +

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.