DUFF Family History

This unusual name, with the variants spellings Dow, Dove and Dew, is of Scottish (and sometimes Irish) Gaelic origin, and is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic word "dubh", dark, black, in Old Gaelic spelt as "dub". This word was frequently used as a personal name, by itself or as a shortened form of a longer double-stemmed name, and as a nickname or byname for a swarthy man, or perhaps for someone of a "dark" temperament. A sizeable group of early European surnames were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames.

Who have we missed?

Tell us about any famous DUFF (or surname variant) you think we should add here. We will get our genealogists to check them out and add them to the list. Thanks!

MEET

Join the conversation with the DUFF tribe

Find your DUFF ancestor
Tell us about your DUFF Family
Tell us about your DUFF ancestors
Ask a question about the DUFF history
Leave a message for DUFF family members

Anthony Barrett

(Part 1 of 3) The Duff, Duffy, MacDuff, Kilduff and Black names can be found throughout Ireland and Scotland, but its origin according to DNA is from the north-west coast of the Emerald Island. The Duff story [dominated by DNA tribal marker R1b-L513, Subgroup A1] can trace their origins to the Finn Valley in Donegal, Ireland from 50 BCE. Perhaps the journey begins with the Clanna Dedad; Deda, son of Sen or Deda Mac Sin. The Duff surname origin which means black is from a Northern Ui Neill [R1b-L513] tribe. The Cenél Eoghan and the tribes of Donegal conquered much of Ulster (Derry and Tyrone).

Anthony Barrett

(Part 2 of 3) Cenél Eoghan will expand across northern Ireland with their cousins Cenél Conaill and the Northern Ui Neill between 500-800 BCE. The clans of Finn Valley have the same DNA as people from Gwynedd in Brittany. But how could this be? Recent discoveries from DNA testing are unlocking the migration patterns of Celtic tribes as late as 800 CE to 1200 CE. This Duff story begins in pre-history Ireland then moves to Scotland as they form part of the Dalriada. Descendants of their tribe will then travel to Brittany, France during the Dark Ages.

Anthony Barrett

(Part 3 of 3) Discover their newly found untold story and how forgotten texts bring their story back to life. From the ebook, “The Tribe Within” learn how DNA unfolds this amazing tale and if you look in the right places, how history narrates this evidence. There is another written account of their story, but it is camouflaged in smoke and myth – it will become the tales of King Arthur. Come follow in the footsteps of Deda Mac Sin and visit https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/401207