From Middle High German 'neve' meaning 'nephew'; originally a kinship surname.
Neff comes from Middle High German neve, meaning nephew, and originally functioned as a kinship surname. That kind of background gives it a grounded family-history feel, the sort of short surname that carries old social relationships in compressed form.
As with many surnames moved into given-name use, its appeal lies partly in its brevity and solidity. As a first name, Neff is stark and distinctive. It has a compact, almost modernist sound, even though its roots are older and more domestic than they first appear.
The name feels brisk and memorable, with a surname sharpness that gives it edge. Neff is rare, but its simplicity is what makes it stand out, especially in settings where short, uncluttered names feel contemporary.