Declining since 2021, #3,379 for boys today.
Popularity of Tuff since 1995
Babies named Tuff per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 41 |
| 2000s | 160 |
| 2010s | 413 |
| 2020s | 294 |
Meaning & origin
Tuff is a modern, rare name that suggests strength and resilience. First recorded in 1995, it reached its peak popularity in 2022 at rank 3379, with a frequency of about 1 in 50,238 births that year. Since 2021, its usage has been slowly declining. The name is most common in Texas, which aligns with its rugged, informal style. Tuff fits into a category of short, punchy names like Slade and Rex, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive and straightforward. Its origin remains unclear, but its phonetic resemblance to 'tough' likely accounts for its appeal.
Tuff first appeared in U.S. records in 1995, making it a very recent name. It likely derives from the English word 'tough,' respelled for uniqueness, or may be a short form of names like Tuffield. Its usage remains rare, with a peak rank of 3379 in 2022.
Where Tuff is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Tuff
Names that share Tuff's style, for a brother or sister.
