The surname Claffey comes from the Irish name Mac Laithimh, from "flaitheamh" meaning "ruler." In Ulster the name is anglicized as MacClave and MacLave. In County Monaghan, however, the name is frequently mistranslated as Hand, since the name is phonetically similar to another Gaelic word "lamh" for "hand." Claffey is the most common variant in the midlands of Ireland.
The surname Claffey was first found in Ulster (Irish: Ulaidh).
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Claffey research. More information is included under the topic Early Claffey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Claffey, MacClaffey, MacClave, MacLave, Hand and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Claffey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.