Neff is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'neven', which means 'new'. It was traditionally used as a nickname for someone who was a newcomer to an area or perhaps a new resident in a community. Alternatively, Neff could also be a short form of the given name Nepomuk, derived from the Bohemian saint's name Nemomuk. The name Neff is rare, but not unheard of, and its meaning contributes to its uniqueness.
The name Neff had six babies born with it in 1921, making up all six of that year's total Neff births.