As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

In the Gaelic, signifies black, but in the Cor. Br. and Welsh, a captain.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

DUFF. " This noble family is derived from Fife Mac-Duff, who Avas a man of considerable Avealth and poAver in Scotland temp, king Kenneth II., and gave that prince great assistance in his Avars Avith the Picts about the year 831." Kemieth made

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

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