How it All Began
stories and events depicted by family member, Cleve Battick
The family name “Kiffin” originated from the Welsh word “Cyffin”, meaning Boundary or Limit , with geographical connotations. Our Kiffin family came from the quiet, rustic John’s Hall District in the hills of North West Clarendon, Jamaica. After the British Invasion of the island in 1655 and the development of the Atlantic slave trade, many more enslaved Africans were taken to Jamaica. In the Creole society the continuation of freer marriages and relationships between black and white Jamaicans developed after 1838 thus creating the start of our Family Name. From those of us who knew Catherine Kiffin, she was White, while her husband, Emmanuel Kiffin, was Black. Whatever way he came to have a Welsh surname, whether as a direct descendant of a Welsh father or having the name given, because of being linked to the Kiffin plantation, we present day Kiffin descendants do have both African and European heritage, as is true of most Jamaicans.
Catherine and Emmanuel Kiffin shared 12 children, Cleophas, Claudius, Ethelred, Eleazor, twins -- Ira and Dorothy, Clementina, Mercella, Matilda, Percival, George and Osmond. Though the name Kiffin may have an origin related to a boundary or limit, our parents, grandparents and great grandparents were not held back by geography or circumstances. From John’s Hall, Clarendon, where Emmanuel and Catherine gave birth to the Kiffin children, they and their offspring have spread throughout Clarendon, Jamaica and now, are all over the world. Even though the Kiffin name is not one of the more popular Jamaican names, “wi likkle but wi tallawah”. So, whether we live “a yaad or abroad “, the Kiffin descendants have been outstanding contributors to society in their chosen field of endeavour, as working professionals, and in volunteer or community service. We laud our ancestors for having set the pace, encouraging us to look beyond the boundary of our horizon and to bloom wherever we are planted.
As we look toward to the forthcoming Kiffin Family Reunion this summer, may the circle of family unity never be broken and the bonds of friendship and love grow stronger. To everyone, “walk good.”
Fun Fact
The Patriarch of the Kiffin Family
Irvin Alexander Kiffin
Born on February 11th, 1922
Celebrating 102 Years of Life
Irvin Alexander Kiffin is the youngest boy and last surviving of his 12 siblings. As a young boy, his parents sent him to stay with relatives in John's Hall (a common practice during this time period). However, after some time he choose to return home to live with his parents in Desire Village, Clarendon. Mr. Kiffin attended school until 15 years old, from which he departed from in an effort to earn a living and work his first job as a mechanic. Mr. Kiffin later on in life migrated to the United States where he worked in a paper-making factory. It was through his hard work that he was able to raise four children, Valerie, Arlene, Irvin Jr. and Donnie. Mr. Kiffin looks forward to spending time surrounded by his family this summer in Montego Bay, Jamaica.