Conniff Name Meaning, Facts & Family History

The surname Conniff is of Irish origin and is predominantly found in County Clare and County Roscommon in Ireland. The meaning of the surname is not entirely clear, as it has different variations in various sources. It is believed to be an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Conaidh," which means "noble" or "wise."
The Conniff family history traces back to ancient times in Ireland. They were part of the social and political fabric of their respective communities, and their occupations varied from farmers to merchants and landowners. Over time, some members of the Conniff family migrated to other parts of Ireland and even to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, searching for new opportunities.
Like many Irish families, the Conniffs faced challenges, such as the Great Famine, which caused mass emigration from Ireland in the mid-19th century. Many Conniff descendants can be found today in different parts of the world, but particularly in Ireland and the United States, where they continue to carry on their family name and heritage.

1. The surname Conniff is of Irish origin.
2. It is derived from the Gaelic name "O Coinne," which means "descendant of Coinneach."
3. Coinneach is an Irish personal name that means "handsome" or "fair."
4. The Conniff surname is relatively rare and not very common in Ireland or other parts of the world.
5. The Conniff family name can be found mainly in the counties of Galway, Mayo, and Clare in Ireland.
6. Some variations of the surname include Cunniff and Coniff.
7. The Coat of Arms associated with the Conniff family name features a red shield with a silver lion passant in the center.
8. Famous individuals with the surname Conniff include Ray Conniff, an American composer and conductor, known for his easy listening music.
9. The Conniff family name may have different spellings or pronunciations depending on the region or country.
10. Genealogical research into the Conniff family history can provide more detailed information about specific origins or branches of the surname.

Some famous people with the surname Conniff include:
1. Ray Conniff: An American composer and bandleader known for his easy listening and orchestral pop music.
2. Buddy Connolly: An Australian actor best known for his roles in television shows such as "Homicide" and "Prisoner."
3. Tom Conniff: An American basketball player who played for the Syracuse Nationals in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
4. Alan Conniff: An American journalist and writer who has contributed to publications such as The New York Times, Newsweek, and National Geographic.
5. Arthur Conniff: An American economist and professor known for his work in international economics, particularly in the field of trade policy.
6. Michael Conniff: An American journalist and author known for his books on Asian politics and culture, including "The Dempsey Gambit" and "African Wild Dog."
7. Kathleen Conniff: An American actress known for her roles in the films "Searching for Bobby Fischer" and "The Crossing Guard."
8. Jack Conniff: An American football player who played as a defensive lineman for the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL.
9. Jim Conniff: An American photographer known for his black-and-white portraits of musicians, including Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis.
10. Rich Conniff: An American entrepreneur and founder of the online retailer Appliance Zone, which later became part of Sears Home Services.