Duff Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Duff come from? What does the surname Duff mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Duff and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Duff Origin: What does the last name Duff mean?
The surname Duff has various origins, including being an Anglicised form of Gaelic words such as Ó Duibh ("descendant of Dubh"), Mac Giolla Duibh ("son of the servant of Dubh"), and Mac Duibh ("son of Dubh"). It can also be a shortened form of Duffin or MacElduff, and Duffy. The Gaelic word dubh, meaning "black" or "dark," is a common element in several Gaelic names. Le Duff is the gallicized variant of the Breton surname An Du, translating to "The Black."
According to YourRoots data, records of the Duff surname first appeared in Scotland in the early 13th century. The surname remained closely linked to Scotland from the 13th to the 18th centuries, with global spread evident in countries like the United States over time. By the 20th century, the number of Duff surname records had significantly increased in the United States, with continued prominence in countries like Scotland.
Duff Last Name History: Where did the last name Duff come from?
Origin of Duff Surname: Where does the last name Duff originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Duff first appeared in records from Scotland (United Kingdom) around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Duff spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Duff: What does the Duff surname history look like in the early days?
The Duff surname remained closely associated with Scotland (United Kingdom) from the 13th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Duff family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Duff surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Duff surname grew significantly in the United States. The Duff surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Scotland (United Kingdom).
Explore Duff last name heritage and Duff surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Duff Surame?
Hilary Duff
Hilary Erhard Duff (born Sep 28, 1987) is an American actress, singer, author, and businesswoman. She rose to fame as the lead in the Disney Channel series "Lizzie McGuire" and starred in films like "A Cinderella Story." Duff achieved success in music with albums like "Metamorphosis" and ventured into business with her fashion lines. She later starred in TV Land's "Younger" and produced and starred in the Hulu sitcom "How I Met Your Father." Duff's impact on the entertainment industry has inspired many and earned her accolades like Kids' Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards. She continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Anne-Marie Duff
Anne-Marie Duff (born Oct 8, 1970) is an English actress known for her BAFTA-nominated roles in TV series like "Shameless" and "The Virgin Queen." She won a BAFTA for her performance in "Bad Sisters" in 2024. Duff's career spans TV, film, and stage, with notable roles in "Suffragette" and "His Dark Materials." She also starred in the Netflix series "Sex Education" and the BBC drama "The Salisbury Poisonings." With a background in theatre and a range of screen credits, Duff is a versatile talent in the entertainment industry.
Haylie Duff
Haylie Katherine Duff (February 19, 1985) is an American actress and singer known for her roles in popular shows like 7th Heaven and Lizzie McGuire, as well as the cult classic film Napoleon Dynamite. In addition to her acting career, she is an avid food blogger and had her own cooking show, The Real Girl's Kitchen. Duff has also dabbled in music, recording songs for various soundtracks and even planning to release her debut solo album at one point. She is the older sister of actress and singer Hilary Duff, making the Duff sisters a talented duo in the entertainment industry.
Damien Duff
Damien Anthony Duff (born Mar 2, 1979) is an Irish football manager and former player known for his successful career in top clubs like Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, and Newcastle United. Duff won multiple Premier League titles and a League Cup with Chelsea, showcasing his skill as a winger. He also represented the Republic of Ireland in international matches, earning 100 caps over 14 years. After retiring, Duff transitioned into coaching, working with various teams including Shamrock Rovers and Celtic. His legacy in football continues to inspire young players and fans alike.
Howard Duff
Howard Green Duff (Nov 24, 1913 – July 8, 1990) was an American actor known for his work in radio, film, and television from the 1940s to the 1980s. He gained fame for his role as Sam Spade in the radio series "The Adventures of Sam Spade" and went on to star in numerous Hollywood films and TV shows, including "Mr. Adams and Eve" alongside his wife, Ida Lupino. Duff's career was marked by his talent in both dramatic and comedic roles, making him a versatile and beloved actor of his time. Despite facing challenges during the red scare era, Duff continued to leave a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
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