Macduffs

Macduffs is the plural form of the Scottish surname Macduff, meaning “son of Dubh” in Gaelic. The prefix Mac- denotes “son of,” and Dubh (also seen as Duff) refers to a dark or black attribute. The name is linked to Scottish lineage, and spellings such as MacDuff and Macduff have circulated in historical records. The plural form Macduffs can refer to multiple individuals bearing the surname or to a family line collectively.

Historically, the Macduffs of Fife were a prominent noble house in medieval Scotland, holding the title Thane of Fife. They appear in various charters and chronicles tied to landholding and governance in the Fife region. Over time, spelling variations emerged, and the surname spread beyond its original locality through migration and cultural contact.

In literature, Macduff is best known as a central figure in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth. He is the Thane of Fife and a loyal nobleman who opposes Macbeth after the murder of Duncan. Macduff discovers Duncan’s body, travels to England to seek aid, and returns with Malcolm to overthrow Macbeth, ultimately killing him in single combat. The play emphasizes a prophecy about being “not born of a woman,” which Macduff’s birth—described as “from his mother’s womb untimely ripped” in the text—appears to override, contributing to the drama’s reversal of fate.

Today, Macduffs can refer to individuals or families bearing the surname, with use primarily found in genealogical, literary, and cultural contexts. The name’s presence in modern media and naming reflects its enduring association with Scottish heritage and Shakespearean influence.