Duff

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Duff

Pronounced DUF /ˈdʌf/High

Meaning: Duff is a Scottish surname from the Gaelic dubh, meaning 'dark' or 'black', originally a byname for someone of dark hair or complexion and the root of Clan Duff and the Earls of Fife. As a given name it is the family name carried forward, most often to honor Scottish ancestry.Medium

In 30 seconds: Duff is a Scottish surname meaning 'dark' or 'black', from Gaelic dubh, and the name of a historic clan (said 'DUF'). It saw rare use as a boys' given name.

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Origin MediumScottish

MeaningDuff is a Scottish surname from the Gaelic dubh, meaning 'dark' or 'black', originally a byname for someone of dark hair or complexion and the root of Clan Duff and the Earls of Fife. As a given name it is the family name carried forward, most often to honor Scottish ancestry.

U.S. rank (2008)#11462 ↘ Falling

2008 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1954

Total births (all-time)≈ 441

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Duff comes from the Gaelic dubh, 'dark' or 'black', a descriptive byname that hardened into one of Scotland's storied surnames, borne by the Earls and later Dukes of Fife. Carried to America, it appeared now and then as a first name among families keeping a Scottish tie alive.

It was always a rarity as a given name — a scattered few dozen boys a year at most in the mid-twentieth century — and it keeps a brisk, clannish Scottish flavor. It has not entered the modern surname-name revival in any real numbers and remains a niche heritage choice.

Did you know? The clan name Duff lies behind Macduff, the Thane of Fife who topples the tyrant in Shakespeare's Macbeth — the 'dark' sense of dubh giving the family its ancient identity.

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Duff — Gaelic dubh 'dark/black'; Clan Duff, Earls of Fife

Variations

DuffyDubh

Nicknames

Duffy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Duff…

Callum— a fellow Scottish-heritage boys' name

Clyde— shares the short, blunt vintage sound

Roderick— a like clannish, old-fashioned masculine pick

Glenn— lands in the same popularity range

Ken— shares Duff's Scottish roots

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Duff mean?

Duff is a Scottish surname from Gaelic dubh, meaning 'dark' or 'black'.

How do you pronounce Duff?

It's said DUF /dʌf/ — one syllable.

Is Duff a boy or girl name?

Duff is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Duff?

Duff has always been rare in the U.S. as a first name, a Scottish surname used to honor family heritage.