Find out how popular the first name Taffy has been for the last 23 years (from 1974 to 1996) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Taffy by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Taffy is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1996, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Taffy.

The history of the first name Taffy

The given name Taffy is a diminutive form of the Welsh name Theophilus, derived from the Greek Theophilos, meaning "friend of God" or "loved by God." This name has its roots in ancient Greek and early Christian traditions.

Taffy originated as a nickname in Wales, where the Welsh language and culture have been deeply rooted for centuries. It emerged as a shortened and anglicized version of Theophilus, which was a common name among early Welsh Christians.

In medieval times, the name Theophilus appeared in various religious texts and chronicles, particularly those related to early Christian saints and martyrs. One notable figure was Saint Theophilus of Antioch, a 2nd-century bishop and early Christian theologian known for his work "Apologia ad Autolycum" (Apology to Autolycus).

The earliest recorded instances of the name Taffy can be traced back to the 16th century in Wales. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Taffy ap Robert, a Welsh landowner and politician who lived in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Taffy. One of the most famous was Taffy Davies (1592-1667), a Welsh Anglican clergyman and author who wrote extensively on religious subjects and was known for his sermons.

Another prominent figure was Taffy Seymour (1822-1897), a Welsh-born Australian cricketer who played for the Victoria and New South Wales colonial teams in the mid-19th century. He was renowned for his skill as a wicket-keeper and his contribution to the early development of cricket in Australia.

In the realm of literature, Taffy Bianca (1858-1939) was a Welsh-born American journalist and author who wrote extensively about Welsh culture and language. Her works, including "The Mabinogion" and "Welsh Fairy Tales," helped preserve and promote Welsh folklore and traditions.

Taffy Thomas (1911-1998) was a Welsh rugby union player who played as a flanker for Wales and the British Lions in the 1930s. He is considered one of the greatest Welsh rugby players of his era and was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011.

While the name Taffy is primarily associated with Welsh culture and heritage, it has also been adopted by individuals from other backgrounds, particularly in English-speaking countries with strong historical ties to Wales, such as England, Canada, and the United States.

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 Taffy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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