Origin & Meaning of the Raff Surname
What does the last name Raff mean?
The surname Raff carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,538 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Raff ranks as the #18,106 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Raff come from?
The Raff surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Raff name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Raff trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Raff |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,106 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,538 |
| Per 100K People | 0.52 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Raff
According to the US Census, the Raff surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,538 Americans with the Raff last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.29% |
| Black | 1.95% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.02% |
| Two or More Races | 2.67% |
Popularity of Raff Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Raff surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Raff surname decreased by 68 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Raff Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Raff ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Raff Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Raff Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Raff
- ✓ The Raff coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Raff families live today
- ✓ Notable Raff bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Raff
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Raff.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Raff.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raff
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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