Taaffe is a distinctive Hiberno-Norman name that rose to the rank of earls and served in the courts of Europe.
Where does the Taaffe name come from?
Taaffe is generally held to be of Welsh-Norman origin, brought to Ireland in the wake of the Norman invasion. It is often connected with the Welsh personal name Dafydd (David), reshaped into the form Taaffe among the settlers, though the exact root is debated. The family became thoroughly Irish over the centuries.
The Taaffes of Carlingford
The Taaffes settled in counties Louth and Sligo and rose high among the nobility, becoming Viscounts Taaffe and Earls of Carlingford. After the upheavals of the seventeenth century many of the family went to the Continent, where they served with distinction — most famously a Taaffe who became a field marshal and count of the Holy Roman Empire in the service of Austria. As a documented Hiberno-Norman name, Taaffe is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- Taaffe is a Hiberno-Norman name of Welsh-Norman origin.
- It is often linked to the Welsh name Dafydd (David).
- The family settled in Louth and Sligo.
- They became Viscounts Taaffe and Earls of Carlingford.
- A Taaffe served as a field marshal in the Austrian Empire.
A few favorites for the Taaffe name: the Taaffe Irish family crest ornament works well as a centerpiece, the Taaffe garden flag handles the daily routine, and the Taaffe coaster set puts the name on display outdoors.
We've gathered our Taaffe family crest gifts — mugs, garden flags, woven blankets, and more — in one place: the Taaffe Irish Family Gifts collection.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Tyrrell, Tobin, and Barry.
Frequently asked questions
Is Taaffe an Irish surname?
Yes — Taaffe is a Hiberno-Norman Irish surname, long established in Louth and Sligo, who became Earls of Carlingford.
What does Taaffe mean?
It is often connected with the Welsh personal name Dafydd (David), though the exact root is debated.