Duff
1 syllable
♂ Male ◎ Scottish ◈ 1 syllable
"Surname; dark-haired one."

From Scottish

The name Duff has Scottish and Irish origins and is derived from the Gaelic word dubh, which means dark or black. Read more about the origin of this name below ↓

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Duff at a glance
MeaningSurname; dark-haired one.
OriginScottish
GenderMale
Syllables1
NumerologyLife Path 1
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Origin & history of Duff
1
Scottish roots
The name Duff has Scottish and Irish origins and is derived from the Gaelic word dubh, which means dark or black. Duff was originally a nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion. The name Duff has been used in Scotland since the Middle Ages and was popularized by the powerful Clan MacDuff, which played a significant role in Scottish history. The name Duff has also been associated with the Irish surname O'Duffy, which means descendant of Duff. Duff is a popular name for dogs, particularly Scottish Terriers, which were originally bred to hunt small game. In the 1990s, Duff Beer became a popular fictional brand of beer on the animated TV show The Simpsons. Duff McKagan, the bassist for the rock band Guns N' Roses, was known for his signature top hat and sunglasses. Duff Goldman, a celebrity chef and TV personality, is known for his elaborate cakes and desserts. Duff is also a common term used in the sport of curling to describe a shot that is slightly off target. In the 1960s, Duff was a popular brand of cigarette rolling papers, known for their distinctive red and white packaging. I hope you find these facts interesting!
2
Root name
The root form of Duff is Duff — meaning Surname; dark-haired one..
3
Modern usage
Duff remains a beloved choice. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.
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How popular is Duff?
1954 peak year
Today, Duff has effectively disappeared from U.S. birth records. But it wasn't always this way. At its peak in 1954, 34 babies were given the name (ranked #1296 nationally). Its strongest stretch was the 1950s. In all, around 441 babies have been registered as Duff since 1880.
Year-by-year registrations 1880–2024 · U.S. Social Security data
34 Babies named in peak year
(ranked #1,296)
441 All-time total
(since 1880)
📊 Check all names registered in the United States →
Numerology of Duff
1
Life path number
The Leader
Leadership, independence and pioneering spirit.
🌟Natural leader
Independent
🔥Ambitious
💎Original thinker
D4
U3
F6
F6
Sum: 19 → Life path 1
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Personality of Duff
🌟
Independent & bold
These individuals chart their own course. They lead, they don't follow.
Ambitious drive
Quiet determination sits behind everything they do.
💡
Original ideas
Their minds work differently — seeing angles others walk past.
🔑
Natural authority
Without trying, they earn respect.
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Names that sound like Duff

If you love Duff, you might love these names with a similar sound, rhythm or feel.

Names that combine with Duff

Sibling pairings that share the timeless, classic energy of Duff.

Middle names for Duff

The right middle name turns Duff into a complete story. Explore options for first-and-middle pairings, then last-name flow.

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Numerology life path calculator

Enter any full name and date of birth to discover the life path number — a core numerological indicator of personality, purpose and destiny.

First name
Middle name (optional)
Last name
Date of birth
7
Life path number

How we calculated this
Duff is a beautiful choice.
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