Swaffer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Swaffer family

The surname Swaffer was first found in Norfolk at Swaffield, a parish, in the Tunstead and Happing incorporation, hundred of Tunstead. 1

Anciently known as Suafelda in the Domesday Book, 2 by c. 1150, it was known as Suathefeld. 3

Conjecturally, the surname is descended from the tenant of the village and lands of Swafiled, Ranulf, brother of Liger, and Norman noble, who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086.

Early History of the Swaffer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Swaffer research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1201, 1350 and 1406 are included under the topic Early Swaffer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Swaffer Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Swaffield, Swafeild, Swafiled, Swafield and others.

Early Notables of the Swaffer family

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

Swaffer migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Swaffer Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Daniel Swaffer, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince George" in 1838 4
Jane Swaffer, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince George" in 1838 4

Swaffer 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:

Swaffer Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Martha Swaffer, aged 22, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Catherine Stewart Forbes" in 1841
Matilda Swaffer, aged 19, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Catherine Stewart Forbes" in 1841
William Swaffer, aged 25, a farm labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Catherine Stewart Forbes" in 1841

Contemporary Notables of the name Swaffer (post 1700) +

John Swaffer (1851-1936), English cricketer who played for Kent in the 1873 season
Hannen Swaffer (1879-1962), British journalist and drama critic
Kristyn Swaffer (b. 1975), Australian association footballer

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) PRINCE GEORGE 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838PrinceGeorge-London.htm