The Origin and Evolution of the Name Raff 

Origins:

Surnames or family names may be derived from a number of different sources.  They may be derived from the name of an ancestor (i.e. Wilson meaning the son of Wil).  They may be derived from an occupation (Smith meaning Blacksmith).  They may be derived from a location (Hill, Paris, Wiesner etc.).  But who, what or where is a Raff, Raph or Raf?  Here are some possible origins:

From a discussion group on genforum.genealogy.com related to a discussion of the English name Rowe at genforum.genealogy.com/rowe/messages/1756.html:

... The book "Names for the Cornish", has this entry:

"RAW - A colloquial form of RALPH current in pre-18th century Cornwall. RALPH, from the Old English RAEDWULF (=Old Norse RATHULFR), a compound of RAED "counsel" and WULF "wolf", was later reinforced by Norman influence. It developed into RAUF or RAFF, which were the usual forms of the name until the 17th century.   Carew (1555-1620) regarded the name RAW as the Cornish counterpart of RAFE, the standard form of the name by this time."  ...

RAFE (m) Short form of RADULF

RADULF (m) "counsel wolf" from Germanic rath "counsel" and wulf "wolf"

On the other hand "Behind the Name" also mentions:

RAPHAEL (m) "healing of God" (Hebrew). Raphael was one of the four archangels in Hebrew tradition, along with Michael, Gabriel and Uriel. In the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament it is told how he aided Tobias. This is also the name of a 16th-century renaissance painter, the designer of several of the frescoes in the Vatican Palace in Rome.

Another possibility from "What's in a Name" formerly at clanhuston.com/name/namep-s.htm

Ralph : Ralf de Tankerville was the chamberlain for William the Conqueror, and from his name a number of given names were derived. From Ralf came: Raff, Ralph, Rand, Randall, Randolph, Rankin, Ransom, Ranson, Rawlings, Rawson , and Rawle .

And I certainly hope it is NOT derived from this occupation entry from www.worldroots.com at worldroots.clicktron.com/~brigitte/engloccuplist.htm

RAFFMAN - one who dealt in raff (saleable rubbish)

Evolution and Spelling Changes:

I haven't seen any information regarding the causes of the changes of spelling "Raff".  The indications of when these spelling changes occurred is from compiled family trees that do not provide the supporting sources.  I do know that in 1654 the name was spelled Raph is the stained glass window if the Degerloch city hall.  I also know that today the name is commonly spelled Raff.

Visit http://www.rootscomputing.com/howto/names/names.htm for a good history of the use and development of names, surnames, and middle names.

Copyright 1991-2001 Carl T. Raff, All Rights Reserved.