Taff
A boy's name of Welsh origin with 28 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Taff is a one-syllable boy's name with a sharp, distinct sound — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. With only 28 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Taff is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Taff is a boy's baby name of Welsh origin, an informal pet form of Taffy — the traditional English nickname for Welsh men named David, from the Welsh form Dafydd, itself from the Hebrew David, meaning "beloved." The River Taff (Welsh: Taf) runs through Cardiff, making it also a geographical name with deep Welsh identity.
Short and punchy, Taff is distinctly Welsh in character — a no-nonsense, affectionate diminutive with centuries of use. For families of Welsh heritage, it is a name that plants a flag: unmistakably Celtic, warmly familiar, belonging entirely to the Welsh tradition.
EtymologyShow more
Taff is cataloged under the Welsh naming tradition. Celtic names carry the echoes of ancient insular traditions, often drawing from nature, warfare, and mythology.
In the U.S., Taff has been recorded as a boy's name since 1955, with 28 total births. Browse the Welsh names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Taff has 5+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1955.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 11 | #5230 | — |
| 1960s | 12 | #4235 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 5 | #4339 | — |
The Story of Taff
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1967, Taff is a Gen X staple. Boys named Taff are most likely born between 1957 and 1973.
How rare is Taff?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Taff is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1955, peaked in the 1960s with 12 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(5 years, 1955–1973)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | 5 | #5793 |
| 1970 | 6 | #4667 |
| 1969 | 5 | #4952 |
| 1967 | 7 | #3517 |
| 1955 | 5 | #4339 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taff a boy's or girl's name?
When was Taff most popular?
How popular is the name Taff?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1955–1973