Jaffe Surname DNA Project
The Jaffe surname and its many variations (eg Iofe, Joffe, Jaffa, Yafa, Yapha, Yoffe, Yoffie, Zaffe etc.) all emanate from the Hebrew root word "yafe'" meaning pretty or beautiful. The surname is neither rare nor common, but is uncommon enough to arouse the suspicion that there is some interconection. Finding a common ancestor or a lost relative is an intriguing possibility.
In the absence of documentary evidence, which at best is only fragmentary, DNA testing, despite its limitations, is a promising means of discovery.
Family Tree DNA (www.familytreedna.com), which is endorsed by the Jewish Genealogical Society (www.jewishgen.org/dna/), provides an opportunity for people with the same family surname to establish a surname project as a means of discovering such connections using DNA. I am the administrator of the Jaffe Surname Project.
I urge you to investigate by going to those web sites, and if you are interested, to join the Jaffe Surname Project. You may also email me for further information.
Regards, Bill Yoffee