Show ContentsPuffer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Puffer 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 Puffer family

The surname Puffer 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 Puffer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Puffer research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1790 and 1853 are included under the topic Early Puffer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Puffer Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Puffer, Puff, Poff, Poffer, Pufer, Pofer, Pufker, Pufka and many more.

Early Notables of the Puffer family

During this period prominent bearers of the name Puffer were

  • the Puffer family of Austria

Puffer Ranking

In the United States, the name Puffer is the 15,700th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1


United States Puffer migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Puffer Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • James Puffer, who landed in Braintree, Massachusetts in 1655 2
Puffer Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Johann Puffer, who arrived in New York in 1870

Canada Puffer migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Puffer Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • George Puffer, who arrived in Halifax or New York in 1812
  • Elizabeth Puffer, who was recorded to be living in Ontario in 1871

Contemporary Notables of the name Puffer (post 1700) +

  • Alfred F. Puffer (1840-1875), American Deputy Collector of Customs at the United States Customs House in New York City
  • Merle "Ted" Puffer (1928-2003), American singer, voice teacher and translator
  • Brandon Duane Puffer (b. 1975), American Major League Baseball relief pitcher who played from 2002 to 2005
  • Richard M. Puffer, American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for Michigan State House of Representatives 33rd District, 2001 3
  • R. C. Puffer, American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for U.S. Representative from Michigan 10th District, 1952 3
  • Enos Puffer, American politician, Member of New York State Assembly from Broome County, 1857 3
  • Charles H. Puffer, American Republican politician, Candidate for Connecticut State House of Representatives from Stafford, 1918 3
  • William Franklin Puffer (1861-1948), Canadian politician, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (1905-1917)


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 22) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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