Duff Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Duff has its origins in the Scottish Gaelic word 'dubh', which means 'black' or 'dark'. It has evolved from historical forms like Dubh and Duf. The name reflects traits associated with darkness and is tied to Scottish culture. There is no direct biblical relevance. It gained popularity in Scotland during the Middle Ages and remains a traditional name today.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Duff"
Pronunciation
/dʌf/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Duff is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'dubh', meaning 'black' or 'dark'. It was often used as a personal name in reference to someone's dark complexion or hair.
Meaning
dark, black
Language Evolution
Dubh, Duf, Duff
Historical Usage
The name Duff has been used in Scotland since at least the Middle Ages and gained popularity as a given name and surname among the Scottish nobility.
Variants & Derivatives
Duffy, Duf
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Duff is perceived as traditional and is often associated with Scottish heritage.
Famous People
Duff McKagan, bassist of the rock band Guns N' Roses, Duff Goldman, celebrity chef and television personality
📊 Duff Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Duff Name Visualizations
✨ Duff Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 34 peak births in 1954
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Duff" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Duff". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Duff" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Duff"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Duff"
"Duff" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4668th of 7545 | 40 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4651st of 6773 | 33 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2146th of 7552 | 272 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4612th of 10718 | 80 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 22675th of 24088 | 6 |
Regional Popularity of "Duff" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
51.57% 1431st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Duff" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Duff"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Duff" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Duff" in the United States
The name Duff is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Duff has been stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Duff' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4668th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4651st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2146th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4612th out of 10718 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 22675th out of 24088 names. Discover how the name 'Duff' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.