MallowbyNames

Taffy

TAF-ee · Of uncertain origin; possibly a pet form of Daphne or a nickname from the candy.

Peak popularity
1962
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Taffy since 1943

Babies named Taffy per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1631471960198020002020Most births 1962Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s62
1950s224
1960s273
1970s215
1980s90
1990s11
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Taffy is an uncommon English name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1943. It reached its peak usage in 1962, but it has never entered the top 1000, remaining a rare choice. The name's trajectory has been stable, with no significant revival in recent decades. Its mild, sweet sound evokes the chewy candy, giving it a playful and vintage feel. Though its exact origins are uncertain, it may have connections to the name Daphne or the Welsh nickname Taff. For those seeking a quirky, mid-century gem with a hint of nostalgia, Taffy offers a distinctive option.

Taffy is an English name that likely arose as a diminutive of Daphne, which means 'laurel' in Greek. Alternatively, it may have originated as a nickname for someone fond of the candy taffy, or as a variant of the Welsh name Taff, itself a shortening of David. The name saw modest use in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1960s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Taf, Taff

Variants: Taffie, Taffy

Sibling names for Taffy

Names that share Taffy's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Daphne, Molly, Polly, Sally, Candy

Brothers: Tommy, Bobby, Jimmy, Johnny, Danny

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

T is for Taffy, our favorite little girl.

T is for Taffy…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Taffy's letter becomes Taffy's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Taffy's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Taffy mean?
Taffy is of uncertain origin. It may be a pet form of Daphne, meaning 'laurel' in Greek, or simply a nickname from the candy.
How popular is the name Taffy?
Taffy has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its peak year was 1962, and it has remained rare since.
Is Taffy a boy's or girl's name?
Taffy is primarily used as a girl's name, though it can be unisex.