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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Kent => Topic started by: Connie Sparrow on Friday 28 February 20 13:08 GMT (UK)

Title: Affra origin
Post by: Connie Sparrow on Friday 28 February 20 13:08 GMT (UK)

One of my cousins (b1859) has the middle name of Affra. Does anyone know the origin of it please?

I have found mention of an AUCHER family in East Anglia which has some Affras in it which goes back to the 15th century. They were gentry but my cousin's family weren't that elevated :D

Any guidance would be much appreciated :)

Title: Re: Affra origin
Post by: HughC on Friday 28 February 20 13:11 GMT (UK)

I've come across it spelled Aphra.  It's apparently Hebrew, meaning dust.  Not a name to be proud of, I would say, but typically Puritan.

Title: Re: Affra origin
Post by: Top-of-the-hill on Friday 28 February 20 13:17 GMT (UK)

  Aphra Behn is moderately well known as a playwright etc, and one of the first English women to earn her living by it. She was born in Canterbury in 1640.

Title: Re: Affra origin
Post by: Connie Sparrow on Sunday 01 March 20 18:04 GMT (UK)

Quote from: wee Hugh on Friday 28 February 20 13:11 GMT (UK)

I've come across it spelled Aphra.  It's apparently Hebrew, meaning dust.  Not a name to be proud of, I would say, but typically Puritan.

Thank you. An unusual name for a Catholic family too. I can see I'm going to have fun trying to follow this line back  :D

Title: Re: Affra origin
Post by: Connie Sparrow on Sunday 01 March 20 18:07 GMT (UK)

Quote from: Top-of-the-hill on Friday 28 February 20 13:17 GMT (UK)

  Aphra Behn is moderately well known as a playwright etc, and one of the first English women to earn her living by it. She was born in Canterbury in 1640.

Thank you. That was quite an achievement.