Surname Muffet - Meaning and Origin
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Muffet: What does the surname Muffet mean?
The last name Muffet is a derivative of the word ‘muff’, which is of French origin; it has been recorded since the mid-14th century in France. The word likely originates from the Latin word ‘muffula’, which means ‘small bag’. In Middle English, the word took on the meaning of ‘ a warm cap or hood’ and was used to refer to a cloth bag that people carried with them.
The surname Muffet was typically given to people who either sold muff-like objects, such as warm hats or small bags, or people who simply had a fondness for the objects. It is possible the name was also associated with someone whom the locals favored as being delicate or gentle, particularly if their last name was muffet.
Today, the surname Muffet is most often associated with the nursery rhyme ‘Little Miss Muffet’. It is one of the most enduring and well-known nursery rhymes dating back more than 400 years and is said to have been derived from the practice of having young girls eat their curds and whey while sitting on cushions.
Whether the surname Muffet is derived from business, fashion or rhyme, it has remained part of our collective memory and identity for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisMuffet: Where does the name Muffet come from?
The last name Muffet is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2020, there were 1,119 people in the US with the last name Muffet. The states with the largest numbers of people with the last name Muffet are Ohio (688), New York (197), California (84), and Florida (59).
The origins of the name Muffet date back to 16th century England. The name Muffet is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is derived from the Old French "moufet", meaning a small bundle of cloth. It has also been suggested that the name is derived from either the popular nursery rhyme character Little Miss Muffet, or from the Anglo-Saxon word "muffin", meaning an animal skin.
The last name Muffet is seldom found outside of the United States today. In the United Kingdom, there are 49 people with the last name Muffet, and in Canada there are only 3 people with the last name Muffet. The name is not found on record in Australia or New Zealand.
Overall, while the name Muffet is not particularly common around the world, it can still be found in the United States today.
Variations of the surname Muffet
The surname Muffet is a diminutive surname which derives from the French word "moufle", meaning “mitten” or “glove”. There are many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin:
Muffet, Muffett, Muffit, Muffitt, Muffitts, Muffin, Muffins, Mufford, Mufford, Moufet, Mouffet, Mouffett, Moufford, Mouffude, Mouffe, Mouffe, Mouffe, Moufie, Moufette, and more.
The Muffett surname is most commonly found in England, where it is estimated that there are around 1,800 people bearing the name throughout the country. In some cases, Muffet is an Americanized spelling of the German Moufet or Mouffer.
In Scotland, variants Mufat and Moufett have been found, indicating that this variant was likely confused with a more common surname of the same spelling. Pockets, Muffs, and Mets have also appeared as variations of this surname in Scotland.
Other variants of Muffet include Muffey, Miffett, Miffit, Miffite, Mifford, and Moufet. One Australian variant of Muffet is McLuffet.
Most of these surnames are extremely rare, with many fading out in the 19th century. The majority of modern Muffets can likely trace their lineage to the original English variants.
Famous people with the name Muffet
- Jessica Muffet: She is a British actress known for her television roles in various British shows such as EastEnders and Casualty.
- Francis Muffet: He was an English poet and playwright from the 16th century. 3./Robbie Muffet: He is a professional surfer from Australia, known for his spectacular wave riding skills.
- Stephen Muffet: He is a British actor, famous for his roles in The Queen's Gambit and The Twilight Saga.
- Rob Muffet: He was an English football player who played for both Leeds United and Chesterfield in the 1960s.
- Laura Muffet: She is an American R&B singer, famous for her first single “Love You 2 U.”
- David Muffet: He is a former member of the British Parliament, representing the constituency of North East Derbyshire for three terms.
- Jacob Muffet: He is a British Musician and a member of the rock band “The Kooks.”
- Robert Muffet: He was Commander-in-Chief of the British Army from 1801-1805.
- Julian Muffet: He is a British author of fantasy and horror stories, known for his novel The Demon’s Shadow.