Gaelic sept

Duff

Ó Duibh
Also: O'Duff, Duffin, MacElduff

“descendant of Dubh, 'the black' or 'dark'”

The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.

Quick answers
Is Duff an Irish name?

Duff is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Ó Duibh.

What does the surname Duff mean?

Duff (Irish: Ó Duibh) means “descendant of Dubh, 'the black' or 'dark'”. Origin: Gaelic sept.

Where in Ireland is the surname Duff from?

The historic homeland of the Duff name is Laois. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.

What is the Irish for Duff?

Ó Duibh. Related spellings: O'Duff, Duffin, MacElduff.

Looking for the Duff family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting. Tracing Duff ancestors? The step-by-step guide.

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