NameCensus.

UK surname

Briffa

A surname originating from Malta, likely referring to someone from the town of Briffa.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Corby, Salford and Trafford.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Briffa is 251 in 2014. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

238

2016, ranked #17,361

Peak year

2014

251 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 238 in 2016, ranked #17,361.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 7 in 1861.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Briffa surname distribution map

The map shows where the Briffa surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Briffa surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Briffa over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1861 historical 7 #33,053
1891 historical 7 #33,665
1911 historical 1 #34,332
1997 modern 212 #16,996
1998 modern 215 #17,306
1999 modern 216 #17,364
2000 modern 216 #17,340
2001 modern 211 #17,376
2002 modern 222 #17,147
2003 modern 230 #16,549
2004 modern 237 #16,283
2005 modern 233 #16,434
2006 modern 224 #16,990
2007 modern 231 #16,835
2008 modern 226 #17,238
2009 modern 238 #17,002
2010 modern 247 #16,931
2011 modern 239 #17,138
2012 modern 240 #16,979
2013 modern 248 #16,877
2014 modern 251 #16,865
2015 modern 243 #17,141
2016 modern 238 #17,361

Geography

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Where Briffas are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Corby, Salford, Trafford and Warwick. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Corby 008 Corby
2 Salford 015 Salford
3 Trafford 025 Trafford
4 Warwick 002 Warwick
5 Corby 009 Corby

Forenames

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First names often paired with Briffa

These lists show first names that appear often with the Briffa surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Briffa

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Briffa, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Briffa surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Briffa household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Briffa is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Briffa is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Briffa falls in decile 3 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

3
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Briffa is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Other

This describes the area pattern most associated with Briffa, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Briffa

The surname BRIFFA has its origins in the Mediterranean island of Malta. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century. The name is thought to be derived from the Arabic word "burfa," which means a pond or small lake, suggesting that the earliest bearers of this name may have lived near a body of water.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name BRIFFA can be found in the Militia Rolls of Malta, dating back to the late 16th century. These records were maintained by the Knights of St. John, who ruled over the Maltese islands during that time. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Briffa," "Briffo," and "Briffa."

The BRIFFA surname is also mentioned in several historical documents from the 17th and 18th centuries, including parish records and notarial deeds. These documents provide insights into the lives and occupations of individuals bearing this name, many of whom were involved in agriculture, fishing, and maritime trades.

One notable figure with the surname BRIFFA was Don Gio Maria Briffa, a Maltese priest and scholar who lived in the 18th century. He was renowned for his contributions to the study of Maltese language and literature. Another prominent individual was Eugenio Briffa, a Maltese painter who was active in the late 19th century and is known for his religious and portrait works.

In the 19th century, the BRIFFA name can be found in various regions of Malta, including the towns of Zebbug, Siggiewi, and Qormi. Some notable individuals from this period include Antonio Briffa (1800-1870), a Maltese poet and playwright, and Salvatore Briffa (1847-1923), a renowned Maltese sculptor whose works can be found in various churches and public spaces in Malta.

As the Maltese population began to migrate and settle in other parts of the world, the BRIFFA surname also spread. For instance, Michaele Briffa (1802-1857) was a Maltese merchant and entrepreneur who established himself in Tunis, Tunisia, and played a significant role in the economic and social life of the Maltese community there.

Throughout history, the BRIFFA surname has been consistently present in Malta and has contributed to the cultural and artistic heritage of the island nation. While the name may have evolved in its spelling over time, its origins can be traced back to the medieval period, reflecting the rich and diverse history of the Maltese people.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Briffa families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Briffa surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Royal Navy leads with 1 Briffas recorded in 1881 and an index of 909.09x.

County Total Index
Royal Navy 1 909.09x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Royal Navy in Royal Navy leads with 1 Briffas recorded in 1881 and an index of 1000.00x.

Place Total Index
Royal Navy 1 1000.00x

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Briffa surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Giuseppi 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Briffa households.

Occupation Count
Shipwright 1

FAQ

Briffa surname: questions and answers

How common is the Briffa surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 238 in 2016. That gives Briffa a modern rank of #17,361.

What does the Briffa surname mean?

A surname originating from Malta, likely referring to someone from the town of Briffa.

What does the Briffa map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Briffa bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.