The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Playfer come from its first bearer, who was a person known as a "companion" derived from a combination of the Middle English words "pley" meaning "sport" and "fere." A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. In Scotland, the name Playfer is often a variant of Playford.
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Early Origins of the Playfer family
The surname Playfer was first found in Kent where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.
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Early History of the Playfer family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Playfer research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1561, 1608 and 1609 are included under the topic Early Playfer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Playfer Spelling Variations
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Playfer has been spelled many different ways, including Playfair, Pleyfair, Playford and others.
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Early Notables of the Playfer family
Distinguished members of the family include
Thomas Playfere (c. 1561-1609), English divine, born in London, was son of William Playfere...
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Migration of the Playfer family
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Playfers to arrive in North America: James Playfair, who settled in Virginia in 1722; Andrew Playfair, who came to Canada in 1817 Charles Playfair William Playfair and Mary Playfair, who all arrived at the port of New York in 1820.
England
Scotland
