Surname Daff - Meaning and Origin

Daff: What does the surname Daff mean?

The last name Daff is of English origin, and is derived from the Old English word dæf connecting to deafness. It was used as a nickname for someone whose hearing was impaired. It may also be derived from the personal name David, which itself derives from the Hebrew Dawid, meaning beloved.

Daff is quite a rare surname in England, though there are records of it dating back to the 16th century. It was used mainly in the north-west of England and the Welsh borders. It is also found as a surname in Wales, though it is most likely derived from the Welsh word dafad, meaning sheep.

People with the surname Daff are scattered all over the world. Prominent people with the surname include Ben Daff, who is an Australian sports shooter and Olympic champion; Joy Daff, an English disability rights campaigner; and, African-American actor Justin Daff.

Today, Daff is a proud name for those who buy it, though its roots form a unique tapestry that speaks to an often forgotten corner of British history. Its meaning has evolved over centuries, from beloved to deaf, to sheep, and stood out as a meaningful identity for those with the surname.

Daff: Where does the name Daff come from?

The last name Daff is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is also found in some other parts of the British Isles including the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey. The surname is also found in some countries that are home to people of British descent such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Daff is made up of two variants, which are Daft and Duff, both ultimately derived from the Old Gaelic name Dubhghall. The name refers to one who was dark-haired or dark skinned, or even of the Dark Ages. It was fairly common to adopt last names from nicknames and physical characteristics during this time.

The name has had variations over the centuries, such as: Doff, Deff, and Daff. The latter version appears to have been the most commonly used variant in the 18th and 19th centuries. The spelling can also be found as Daffey, Daffy, and Daffie.

Today there are several thousand people using the last name Daff, the majority of whom are located in the UK. It is still being used by descendants of those who settled outside the British Isles, though it is not as common as other variants.

Variations of the surname Daff

The surname Daff is an English, Welsh, Cornish, and Breton surname with a variety of spellings and variants. The surname means “son of David”. Spellings of the surname include Daffer, Dafford, Daffers, Daviff, Deff, Duff, Duffey, Daffey, Defen, Deifen, Duffen, and Davy.

In Wales, there is a variant of the surname Daff called, “Daffy”. This variant is derived from the Celtic language and is related to the Welsh words “daf” and “daff” meaning “to puff”. The variants Dafford, Duff, Duffey, and Daffey in Wales are derived from the Morysians who were a tribe of Cymry from the region of Anglesey. Daffs in Cornwall are derived from the Old Cornish “Daf” meaning “son of David”.

In Ireland, the surname Daff is derived from the Gaelic “deif” which are derived from “Déaífhe” which is an ancient Irish personal name. The Irish variants of Daff include Duff, Duffey, Daffey, and Dever. The surnames Duff, Duffey, and Daffey are derived also from “O’Dafey,” a derivative of the ancient Irish personal name “dafaidh.”

In France, the Bretons, a Celtic group of the north of France, gave the surname, “deff.” However this French variant is much less common and is also known Germany, as “Deifen” and Denmark, as “Duffen.”

The surname Daff is fairly common, with the many variations and spellings listed giving a great insight into the varied origins of this name.

Famous people with the name Daff

• Maddie Daff: Stage Actress in New York City
• Guy Daff: Musician and songwriter
• Elton Daff: Long Drive Golfer in the World Long Drive Association
• Samuel Daff: Freemason and Welsh industrialist
• Shawn Daff: Real estate investor and entrepreneur
• Jon Daff: Professional cricket player for the Royal Bengal Tigers
• Becki Daff: British Olympic swimmer
• William Daff: Hollywood actor and producer
• John Daff: Periodontist and creator of the Daff Bite Appliance
• Rebecca Daff: American actress best known for her role in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle

Other surnames

Daffy