indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Meaning & History
An occupational name from Northern England, from Old English mete, 'food' and calf, 'calf', i.e calfs being fattened for consumption in late summer. Thus, making this surname an occupational name for either a slaughterer or herdsman. It primarily originated in Yorkshire.The surname has absorbed the Northumbrian forms Medcaff & Metcaff, almost in their entirety.