Surname Riffart - Meaning and Origin

Riffart: What does the surname Riffart mean?

The surname Riffart has French origins and is thought to have originated from a place-name. In French, "rif" means "edge" which could refer to an edge of a riverbank or a nearby forest. This could mean the original bearer of the name lived near either a river's edge or a forest edge.

The last name Riffart can also be found in the Netherlands and parts of Germany, and is associated with a root word which means ‘Rusten’, which means ‘resting’. This could indicate that the family was so named either because they were resting to do nighttime hunting or because they owned the hunting rights in the area.

The Riffarts may also have been given this name because they worked as clothmakers. The name is likely to have been based on the French verb 'reifler', which means 'to rough up fabric'.

It's also possible that the last name comes from a German root word meaning ‘wolf’, because in medieval french, a ‘Riffart’ was someone who was a hunter of large game, like deer and wolves.

Overall, whatever the origin of the name ‘Riffart’, it has been carried through generations and become more than just a surname - it is a proud family name that each bearer of the surname is proud to bear.

Riffart: Where does the name Riffart come from?

The last name Riffart is most commonly found in France and Belgium. The surname has French or Flemish roots, and is believed to be of local origin. In France, the surname is found primarily in the regions of Normandy, Picardy, and Lower Normandy. These are coastal regions in northern France. In Belgium, the surname is most commonly found in Wallonia, the southern region of the country.

The name is well established in both countries, and records of the last name date back to the 16th century. It is also a popular surname in other French-speaking countries such as Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Canada. Records of the surname have been found in other locations such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

In France, the name is also usually found in towns and villages along the coast where people historically had a strong connection to the sea. It is believed that the name originated from someone who was an experienced boatman, as the name means "one who sails a boat".

The name Riffart is strongly associated with the regions of France and Belgium in which it is found. Many families still carry the surname today, and the Riffart family name has been carried through many generations.

Variations of the surname Riffart

The surname Riffart is an uncommon name with varied spellings and variants in many countries. In France, the primary spelling of Riffart is “Riffard,” but other variations of the name include “Riffault,” “Riffaux,” and “Rifaut.” In Italy, the surname is spelled “Riffaldi” or “Riffaldi,” while in Germany the surname can also be found as “Riffert,” “Reiffert,” “Rippert” or “Rieffert.” In Portugal, the name may appear as “Riffarto” or “Refarto,” while in Spain variants such as “Riffart” or “Riffard” occur. Other surnames with the same origin are Reiffarth, Reiffart, Riffartt, Riffarth and Rifferdt.

In the United States, the Riffart surname has its origins in the French name Riffard and is found primarily in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Relative to other states, Louisiana has the highest rate of Riffart surname holders. Outside of France, the United States is the most populous country with people of this surname, peaking at 1,192 in 1880.

In terms of origin, the Riffart surname derives from Old French “riff,” an element of Germanicword origin meaning “twig” or “twiggy.” Thus, the likely original meaning of Riffart may have been someone who lived on or near a hill made of twigs.

The Riffart surname can be traced back to the 13th century in various regions including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal, and amounts to the same origin. The surname is linked to various places such as the historical village of Riffard in France, a hamlet in Alsace-Lorraine, and the Rue Riffard in the city of Montauban in France. Despite its rarity, Riffart is a surname found in many countries with many variations.

Famous people with the name Riffart

• Damon Riffart: A well-known actor who has starred in a number of television series, films, and stage plays.
• Lena Riffart: A German singer who has released various albums that have achieved international success.
• Cécile Riffart: A French actress and model who has appeared in a number of stage and screen productions.
• Marc Riffart: An illustrator, comic book artist, and storyboard artist who has worked with numerous publications and companies.
• Frédéric Riffart: A French chef who is specialized in French-style cooking and the cuisines of the Mediterranean.
• Jean-Marc Riffart: A French political philosopher, author, and radio host who has contributed to a number of publications and has made frequent appearances on television and radio programs.
• Virginie Riffart: A French-born sculptor, painter, and installation artist who has exhibited works in galleries and museums worldwide.
• Julien Riffart: A French visual artist, illustrator, and animator who has worked with a number of companies and collaborated with numerous international publications.
• Philippe Riffart: A French sport director who has held various positions with professional soccer clubs in France.
• Valérie Riffart: A professional photographer and graphic designer who specializes in fashion and commercial photography.

Other surnames

Riffarth