Daffney is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname O'Dubhthaigh, which means "dark or black-haired." The name has been used as both a first name and a surname throughout history.
The earliest record of the name Daffney appears in the parish registers of County Roscommon, Ireland, during the 18th century. It was often used as a pet form of the Irish name Dubhthach, which means "dark or black." Over time, the name has evolved and become more widely recognized as a given name for both girls and boys.
Despite its Irish origins, Daffney is not a particularly common name in Ireland today. However, it has gained some popularity in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States and Canada. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Daffney was given to 12 baby girls in the U.S. in 2020.
While there may not be many famous figures with the name Daffney, it is worth noting that one notable exception is Daffney MacKinnon, a Canadian actress who appeared in several films and television shows during the 1980s and 1990s.
The name Daffney experienced peak popularity between 1973 and 1976 with 9, 14, 15, and 11 births respectively, totaling 58 births in those four years alone. The overall trend shows fluctuating popularity over time, with a noticeable decline after the late 1970s.