Find out how popular the first name Biff has been for the last 7 years (from 1974 to 1980) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Biff by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Biff is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1980, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Biff.

The history of the first name Biff

The given name Biff is believed to have originated from the Old English word "byffe," which meant "to strike or beat." It is thought to have been a nickname or term of endearment given to boisterous or mischievous young boys. The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly among the working classes in rural areas of England.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Biff dates back to the 14th century. In the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, there is a character named Biff the Miller, who is described as a brawny and rowdy individual. This literary reference suggests that the name was already in use during the late medieval period.

In the 16th century, the name Biff appeared in several parish records and court documents across England. One notable bearer of the name was Biff Underhill, a farmer from Hertfordshire, who was involved in a land dispute in 1587. Another early recorded instance was Biff Simmons, a blacksmith from Yorkshire, who was mentioned in a guild register in 1612.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Biff remained relatively uncommon, but it continued to be used sporadically in various parts of England and Scotland. One famous bearer of the name was Biff MacDonald (1676-1745), a Scottish soldier who fought in the Jacobite Risings and was later captured at the Battle of Culloden.

In the 19th century, the name experienced a slight resurgence in popularity, particularly in the United States. One notable figure was Biff Tannen (1832-1912), an American frontiersman and explorer who was known for his adventures in the Wild West. Another prominent bearer of the name was Biff Hooper (1857-1935), a baseball player who played for the Chicago White Stockings in the late 1800s.

In the 20th century, the name Biff gained widespread recognition due to its association with the character Biff Loman in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" (1949). The name was also popularized by the character Biff Tannen, the antagonist in the "Back to the Future" film trilogy (1985-1990).

Other notable individuals named Biff include Biff Henderson (1924-2019), an American actor and comedian known for his work in television and film; Biff Elliot (1923-2012), a Canadian ice hockey player who won multiple Stanley Cup championships with the Toronto Maple Leafs; and Biff Pocoroba (1936-2019), an American professional wrestler and actor.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Biff was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Biff, please contact us.

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