Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Biff

      Origin 
      English, Possibly American

      Meaning 
      Often A Diminutive of A Nickname

      Variations 
      Biffy, Lizbiff, Elizabiff

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Biff is primarily recognized as a diminutive, often derived from longer names such as Bufford or Biford. Its origins can be traced back to English and American vernacular, where it evokes a sense of familiarity or endearment. Although it is not a widely used name today, it carries connotations of a jovial or spirited character, often linked to popular culture.

      Historically, the name Biff gained traction during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the United States. It began appearing in various cultural contexts, notably in literature and film. The name's prominence was solidified with characters like Biff Loman from Arthur Miller's play Death of a Salesman, which highlighted its association with the archetype of the charming yet troubled youth. Over the decades, Biff has reflected elements of American character and identity, symbolizing a blend of resilience and mischief.

      In contemporary society, the name Biff is less common as a given name but remains recognizable thanks to its presence in popular media, particularly in films and television shows. Characters such as Biff Tannen from the Back to the Future franchise have kept the name alive in public consciousness, often embodying traits of bravado and comedic relief. As a result, while Biff may not be frequently chosen as a first name today, it continues to resonate in discussions of nostalgia, humor, and cultural references.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Biff.
      Floyd

      is the most common surname for Biff.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Biff.

      Adeline

      is the most common child name for Biff.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1942 is when there were the most people born with the first name Biff.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.