What does the surname Duffy mean?

The surname Duffy means "Descendant of Dubhthach, meaning dark or swarthy.". It is of Irish origin.

How common is the Duffy surname?

There are approximately 115,000 people with the surname Duffy in the United States.

Are there Duffy soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,230 soldiers with the Duffy surname appear in Civil War records.

Duffy

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Dubhthach, meaning dark or swarthy.

Etymology

Derived from the Irish Ó Dubhthaigh, from the personal name Dubhthach. The surname is associated with County Monaghan and County Cavan in Ulster.

About the Duffy Surname

Duffy is an Ulster surname with roots in the northern counties of Ireland. The name has spread throughout the Irish diaspora and remains common in North America.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 115,000 bearers in the United States #370 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily found in Ulster, particularly in County Monaghan, County Cavan, and County Donegal.

Duffy Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

F. Ryan Duffy

Senator

James Duffy

Representative

Western Duffy

Quick Facts

Origin: Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Estimated Bearers: 115,000

War Records

1,230 soldiers with the Duffy surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →