Buffy
Buffy: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbʌfi/
Meaning and origin of Buffy
- A diminutive of the female given name Elizabeth.
Etymology
Biblical Hebrew אֵל (el) Biblical Hebrew נִשְׁבַּע (nishbá) Middle English Elizabeth A pet form of Elizabeth (cf. Bethy), based on a child's unsuccessful attempts to pronounce the name. Popularized by the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise.
How popular is Buffy?
Since 1880, 3,306 girls and 6 boys in the U.S. have been named Buffy (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #529 in 1972. Its highest rank for boys was #4451 in 1971. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Sibling name ideas for Buffy
Names that peaked around the same time as Buffy and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Buffy FAQ
What does the name Buffy mean?
A diminutive of the female given name Elizabeth. Biblical Hebrew אֵל (el) Biblical Hebrew נִשְׁבַּע (nishbá) Middle English Elizabeth A pet form of Elizabeth (cf. Bethy), based on a child's unsuccessful attempts to pronounce the name. Popularized by the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise.
How popular is the name Buffy?
Since 1880, 3,306 girls and 6 boys in the U.S. have been named Buffy (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #529 in 1972. Its highest rank for boys was #4451 in 1971. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Is Buffy a boy or girl name?
Buffy is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 3,306 girls and 6 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.