Duffy surname meaning

Duffy is an Irish surname, most often a shortened Anglicization of Gaelic Ó Dubhthaigh, “descendant of Dubhthach,” a byname from dubh, “black.” The name was borne by an early saint who was archbishop of Armagh. DAFN also records Duffy as an Anglicization of Mac Dhuibhshíthe, “son of Duibhshíth” (“black” + “peace”). Both routes are patronymic. O’Duffy, Duffey, and Duffie are spelling neighbors. Parent’s name is high confidence because the surname is Gaelic “descendant/son of” formations, even though the underlying bynames use the color word “black” rather than a place or trade.