Lafent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Lafent

What does the name Lafent mean?

The surname Lafent is derived from a child. The surname Lafent is derived from the French "l'enfant," or perhaps from La Font or La Fin, which are both found in French records.

Early Origins of the Lafent family

The surname Lafent was first found in counties Tipperary and Wexford (Irish: Loch Garman), founded by Vikings as Waesfjord, and located in Southeastern Ireland, in the province of Leinster, where they were granted lands by Strongbow after the invasion of Ireland in 1172.

Early History of the Lafent family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lafent research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1200 is included under the topic Early Lafent History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lafent Spelling Variations

It was found during an investigation of the origins of the name Lafent that church officials and medieval scribes often spelled the name as it sounded. This practice lead to a single person's being documented under many spelling variations. The name Lafent has existed in the various shapes: Laffan, Laffin, La Font, Laffhan and others.

Early Notables of the Lafent family

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

Migration of the Lafent family

In the 1840s, Ireland experienced a mass exodus to North America due to the Great Potato Famine. These families wanted to escape from hunger and disease that was ravaging their homeland. With the promise of work, freedom and land overseas, the Irish looked upon British North America and the United States as a means of hope and prosperity. Those that survived the journey were able to achieve this through much hard work and perseverance. Early immigration and passenger lists revealed many bearing the name Lafent: John Laffan, whose marriage was recorded in Nova Scotia in 1815; Patrick Laffin, who was recorded in Boston in 1818; Edward Laffin, along with his sister Mary and brother Peter, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1805.

The Lafent Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Vincit omnia veritas
Motto Translation: Truth conquers all things.