There are two possible origins for this interesting name. The first is a rare medieval nickname surname originally 'stiff-chin' and given to one who had a strong jaw line. The present spelling is probably 17th Century when many original spellings were transposed. The second possible origin is Flemish and dates from 1601 when a group of emigrant workers established a manufactory in Canongate, Edingburgh to produce 'Stuffis' - a form of Serge. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Stiffchynn (aged 16) which was dated C. 1635, An early American settler. during the reign of King Charles 1 The Martyr 1625 - 1649 Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.