STAFF
Staff
Overview Staff is an English surname of occupational origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "staff," which referred to a stick or pole used as a walking aid or symbol of authority. The surname may have originally been a nickname for someone who carried a staff as part of their occupation.
History The surname Staff is believed to have originated in medieval England, where it was likely used to denote individuals who held positions of authority or who worked as messengers, officials, or guards. The use of surnames became more common in England during the Middle Ages, as the population grew and it became necessary to distinguish between individuals with similar given names.
Over time, the surname Staff spread to different parts of England and became established in various regions. Like many English surnames, Staff may have undergone changes in spelling and pronunciation as it was passed down through generations.
Notable Bearers
- John Staff (1809–1868) - English inventor and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the development of agricultural machinery.
- Sarah Staff (b. 1981) - British environmental activist and campaigner.
- Peter Staffe (1925–2010) - English author and historian specialising in medieval England.
Variants Variants of the Staff surname include Staf, Staft, and Stave. These variations may have developed over time due to regional accents, dialects, or clerical errors in recording names.
Modern Usage Today, the surname Staff is still found in the United Kingdom and in other English-speaking countries around the world. Individuals with the surname Staff may have diverse backgrounds and occupations, reflecting the evolution of the name over centuries.
There are approximately 1,317 people named Staff in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,944th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Staff.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Matthew
- Michael
- Neil
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
Female
- Catherine
- Christine
- Claire
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Laura
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.