The surname Teff is believed to have originated in Scotland, with the earliest records dating back to the 16th century. It is thought to be derived from the Gaelic word "teth," meaning "hot" or "ardent," suggesting the name may have been a descriptive nickname for someone with a fiery temperament or a ruddy complexion.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Scottish parish records of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, where a John Teff was mentioned in 1592. The surname was also present in other parts of Scotland, such as Fife and Lanarkshire, during the same time period.

In the 17th century, the spelling of the name varied, with forms like "Teff," "Teffie," and "Teffe" appearing in various records. It is worth noting that the surname was sometimes interchanged with the similar-sounding "Taff," which likely had a different origin but may have contributed to the variations in spelling.

One notable individual bearing the Teff surname was James Teff, a Scottish merchant and burgess of Edinburgh, who was active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He was involved in trade with the Netherlands and was mentioned in several historical documents related to commercial activities in the city.

Another individual of note was William Teff, a Presbyterian minister from Stirlingshire, who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was known for his strong religious convictions and his involvement in the Presbyterian Church in Scotland during a turbulent period of religious conflict.

In the 18th century, the surname spread beyond Scotland, with records showing individuals named Teff residing in England and Ireland. One such individual was John Teff, an Irish-born writer and poet who lived from 1730 to 1810. His works, though not widely known today, were published and received some recognition during his lifetime.

During the 19th century, the Teff surname continued to be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, with individuals bearing the name working in a variety of professions, from farmers and tradesmen to clergymen and professionals. One notable figure was Robert Teff, a Scottish engineer and inventor who lived from 1835 to 1901 and was credited with several innovations in the textile industry.

While the Teff surname is not particularly common, it has a rich history that can be traced back several centuries in Scotland and has since spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond.