| ![Show Contents]() Poff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany The Poff surname comes from a few possible sources, Some instances come from the German word "buff," which means "push," or "shove;" and was likely a nickname for a violent, aggressive person. Early Origins of the Poff familyThe surname Poff was first found in Austria, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history the name became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family. Early History of the Poff familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Poff research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1790 and 1853 are included under the topic Early Poff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Poff Spelling VariationsSpelling variations of this family name include: Puffer, Puff, Poff, Poffer, Pufer, Pofer, Pufker, Pufka and many more. Early Notables of the Poff familyMore information is included under the topic Early Poff Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Poff RankingIn the United States, the name Poff is the 8,030th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1
 Poff migration to New Zealand | + |
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Poff Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century- Miss Johanna Poff, (b. 1848), aged 22, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Zealandia" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd December 1870 2
| Contemporary Notables of the name Poff (post 1700) | + |
- John William Poff (b. 1952), former American Major League Baseball outfielder
- Alonzo M. "Lon" Poff (1870-1952), American film actor
- Richard Harding Poff (1923-2011), American politician and judge
- Richard Harding Poff (b. 1923), American Republican politician, U.S. Representative from Virginia 6th District, 1953-72; Delegate to Republican National Convention from Virginia, 1968; Justice of Virginia State Supreme Court, 1972 3
- Nellie Poff, American Democratic Party politician, Member of West Virginia Democratic State Executive Committee, 1945 3
- Charles W. Poff, American politician, Industrial Candidate for Presidential Elector for Pennsylvania, 1916 3
- Jonathan Poff (b. 1983), New Zealand rugby union player
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Poff migration to New Zealand 
