The surname Urffer traces its origins to the German-speaking regions of Europe, likely dating back to the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th century. The name is believed to be from the area that is now Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Zurich, where the town of Uerzlikon might have influenced its development. The name may derive from the old High German word "urf," meaning wild ox, or it could be rooted in the geographic feature of the region.

The earliest references to the surname Urffer appear in the form of records from church registries and land ownership documents in medieval Switzerland. One of the first documented individuals with this surname was Hans Urffer, a farmer recorded in a tax roll in Zurich around the year 1360. This reference suggests that the name had already become established by the mid-14th century.

One historical mention worth noting is an entry in the records of the Zurich Council where a Heinrich Urffer was listed circa 1425 as having held a municipal position, indicating that the family had established a certain degree of local prominence by this period. Other variations of the surname through the centuries include Urfer and Ürffer, which appear in both civil and church documents, often in connection with land transactions and religious ceremonies such as baptisms and marriages.

Moving into the 16th century, Daniel Urffer, born in 1510 and passing in 1578, is documented among the guild members of Zurich, highlighting the presence of the family within the local artisans' community. His participation in various guild activities provides evidence of the family’s involvement in crafts and trade during the Renaissance period.

A notable historical figure is Hans Jakob Urffer, a renowned clockmaker from the 17th century, born in 1623 and died in 1698, whose exquisite timepieces were highly sought after in both Switzerland and neighboring Germany. His craftsmanship helped solidify the Urffer name within the guilds of skilled tradesmen and merchants in Zurich.

Another significant figure is Samuel Urffer, a prominent Protestant pastor in the early 18th century, born in 1675 and deceased in 1742, who played a crucial role in the ecclesiastical reforms within the region, advocating for education and humanitarian principles. His sermons and theological writings gained wide circulation, cementing his influence beyond just his local parish.

Additionally, a Johann Frederick Urffer, born in 1743 and passing in 1812, distinguished himself as a cartographer and engineer, contributing to the early scientific mapping initiatives of the Napoleonic era. His detailed maps of Switzerland and the surrounding regions have been preserved in several European archives, reflecting both his skill and the educational progress of the time.

The legacy of the Urffer surname is also significant in emigrant history, where several members moved to America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly noted in Pennsylvania where Johann Jacob Urffer settled in 1784. The family continued to thrive in their new homeland, contributing to various professional fields and gradually assimilating into the broader American cultural tapestry.

Throughout history, the surname Urffer has demonstrated an enduring presence across different regions and professions, shaped by socio-economic changes and migrations, and reflecting the adaptability and accomplishments of its bearers across centuries.