Taaffe
A girl's name of Irish origin with 7 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
When Taaffe hit its peak of 7 births in 1978, American naming was shifting away from mid-century classics toward more individualistic, expressive choices.
Today, Taaffe reads as a name tied to a specific era — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Taaffe is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Taaffe is a girl's baby name of Irish origin, from the Irish surname Taaffe — derived from the Old Norse name Tófi — a distinguished Irish noble family name associated with the Counts Taaffe of the Holy Roman Empire and prominent figures in Irish history. Using distinguished Irish surnames as given names honors Celtic heritage with real historical depth.
Rare and genuinely aristocratic in heritage, Taaffe is a name for families honoring Irish ancestry who want something that carries centuries of history in a form most people will encounter for the first time on their child.
EtymologyShow more
Taaffe is built from 6 letters and one syllable — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Irish naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Taaffe creates its characteristic open, approachable quality. One-syllable names stand out for their directness. Every sound carries weight, making pronunciation and first impressions immediate.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Taaffe has 1+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1978.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 7 | #8446 | — |
The Story of Taaffe
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1978, Taaffe is a Gen X staple. Girls named Taaffe are most likely born between 1978 and 1978.
How rare is Taaffe?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Taaffe is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1978, peaked in the 1970s with 7 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(1 years, 1978–1978)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | 7 | #8446 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taaffe a boy's or girl's name?
When was Taaffe most popular?
How popular is the name Taaffe?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1978–1978