STIFF
Stiff
Origin and Meaning:
Stiff is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English word "stif" which means rigid or unyielding. The name might have been originally bestowed on someone with a stern or unbending personality.
Distribution:
The surname Stiff is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in counties such as Essex, Kent, and Sussex. However, Stiff families can also be found in former British colonies, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as a result of migration.
Notable Individuals:
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Tom Stiff (1837–1905): Renowned Victorian engineer and inventor, known for his contributions to railway infrastructure.
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Emily Stiff (1912–1998): Influential poet and novelist of the mid-20th century, whose work explored themes of identity and existentialism.
Coat of Arms:
The Stiff family coat of arms features a shield embellished with symbols representing perseverance, strength, and steadfastness. The crest displays a tower, symbolising security and protection, supported by lions representing nobility and courage.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Stiff include Stif, Stiffe, Steff, and Steffe.
Genealogy:
The genealogy of the Stiff surname can be traced through various family records, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as parish registers and census documents. A number of genealogical societies and online databases provide resources for individuals researching their Stiff family history.
Surname in Modern Times:
In contemporary society, individuals bearing the surname Stiff can be found engaged in a diverse range of professions and pursuits. The name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a connection to the ancestral roots and heritage of the Stiff family name.
There are approximately 1,530 people named Stiff in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,269th most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named Stiff.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Martin
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Carol
- Catherine
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jacqueline
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Kathleen
- Kerry
- Rebecca
- Samantha
- Susan