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 has been a part of the American baby naming landscape for several decades, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Between 1961 and 2007, there were a total of 202 babies born in the United States with the first name Daffney.
In terms of annual births, the name Daffney experienced its highest popularity between 1974 and 1975, with 15 births recorded each year. This period marks a notable peak in the usage of the name compared to other years on record.
However, the usage of the name Daffney has been relatively consistent over time, with fluctuations ranging from a low of 5 births in several years (1961, 1978, and 2007) to a high of 15 births in 1975. The most recent data available shows that there were 5 babies named Daffney born in the United States in 2007.
Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that the name Daffney has maintained a steady presence among American parents' choices for their daughters over the past five decades. It will be interesting to observe whether this trend continues in future years and how the popularity of the name evolves over time.