chiffer

Chiffer is a term that can refer to different concepts in language, cryptography, and onomastics. In historical texts, chiffer is an archaic or variant spelling of cipher, the method of encoding information, and sometimes of zero in older numeration systems. In English, "chiffer" appears as an older variant of "cipher" in early modern writings; in cryptography and steganography, modern usage standardized on "cipher." In German-language contexts, older spellings such as "Chiffer" were used to denote a digit or numeral ("Ziffer" in modern orthography). The cognate French "chiffre" also means cipher or numeral and shares the same etymological roots that trace to Latin and Arabic terms for "zero" or "figure."

As a proper noun, Chiffer is a surname found among individuals of German or Swiss origin. Genealogical and historical records show the name in parts of Central Europe, though it remains relatively uncommon. Notable persons with the surname, if any, would be identified in specific biographical sources.

The term also appears in cultural contexts, such as fictional works or art referencing cipher-like themes, but such uses are derivative of the primary sense of encryption or numeral.

See also: cipher, chiffre, Ziffer, cryptography, code.