Naeff

Naeff is a surname of Germanic origin. It is found in German-speaking regions and among diaspora communities in Europe and the Americas. The precise etymology is uncertain; scholars propose that Naeff may be a patronymic form derived from a given name such as Nae or Naef, or a toponymic surname linked to a locality. The double f spelling is common in German orthography, though variants with a single f (Naef) are also widespread.

In historical records, bearers of the name appear in various countries, and individuals with the surname have been active in fields including politics, science, arts, and business. There is no single person universally identified as a "Naeff" who defines the name, and the surname is typically treated as a family name rather than a descriptor of a profession or place.

Notable variations and related surnames include Naef and Naeff, which reflect the same linguistic roots with different orthographic choices. In genealogical and onomastic sources, Naeff is listed among Germanic surnames with regional concentrations in parts of southern Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, reflecting historical patterns of settlement and migration.