Duff

“Dark complexioned; black”

Scotland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1752US 2023

448Births / yr

→Stable

441All-time births

📅 Since 188000

How to pronounce Duff

DUHF

/ˈdəf/ · stress on DUHF · 1 syllable

“Dark complexioned; black”

Scotland origin · Boy name

What does Duff mean and where does it come from?

The name Duff has both Scottish and Irish origins, typically used as a surname and occasionally as a first name. It comes from the Gaelic 'Dubh,' meaning 'black' or 'dark.' In Scottish history, Duff was borne by various notable figures, including King Duff of Scotland in the 10th century. It's a rel

Cultural significance

Duff has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dark complexioned; black.

Peak popularity

Reached #954 in 1880 — currently #1752 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Duff?

Duff works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Duff Grace

How popular is Duff right now?

Holding steady — currently #1752 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1752 · Top 1.3%

1880

1920

1935

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1752	448	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1757	428	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1762	398	▲ up 1157 · +3518% births
1970	#2919	11	▲ up 96 · +38% births
1965	#3015	8	▼ down 883 · -47% births
1960	#2132	15	▼ down 515 · -35% births
1955	#1617	23	▲ up 1183 · +188% births
1950	#2800	8	▲ up 493 · +33% births
1935	#3293	6	▲ up 1025 · +20% births
1920	#4318	5	▼ down 3364
1880	#954	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Duff

Best Year1955Rank #1617

Peak Count448

Average Rank#2537

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 202310 years

The story of Duff

Duff has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 441 total births recorded, Duff remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #954 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1752 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Duff in 1880:

John William James Charles George

Duff by decade

Duff peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	10
1910s	13
1920s	27
1930s	13
1940s	42
1950s ★	177
1960s	117
1970s	36
2000s	6

💎Duff has only 441 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Duff?

Common

What names sound and feel like Duff?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Duff also consider these

Ruff

American · Strong or tough

Cuff

Celtic · A Celtic name

Huff

Germanic · A Germanic name

Ireland · Dark haired, descendant

Gruff

Greek · A Greek name

Durk

USA · Derived from the

Common questions about the name Duff

What does the name Duff mean?

Duff means "Dark complexioned; black" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Duff?

Duff is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Duff?

Duff originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Duff?

Duff is a one-syllable name pronounced D AH1 F. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Duff sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Duff flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Duff ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.