If you are considering this name for your daughter, you are choosing a moniker that is recognized globally yet is no longer ubiquitous in preschool classrooms. It offers the perfect blend of familiarity and flair.
Verdict: Tiffany is a “Retro Revival” choice for 2025. It captures the nostalgia of the late 20th century while offering a rich, sophisticated history that predates the trends. It is perfect for parents seeking a name that implies brightness, revelation, and a touch of glamour.
Tiffany Overview
- Meaning: Tiffany means the revelation of God, and is connected to the Feast of the Epiphany.
- Gender: Tiffany is traditionally a name for girls.
- Origin: Tiffany has Greek origins and comes from the word Theophania.
- Pronunciation: “TIFF-uh-nee”
- Popularity: Tiffany is a fairly popular name.
- Nicknames: Fan, Fannie, Fanny, Fany, Phany, Taffy, Tee, Teph, Tiff, Tiffi, Tiffie, Tiffy, Tiph, Ti-ti.
- Variations: Theophania, Theophanie, Theophanes, Theophano, Tifennie, Tiffaney, Tiffani, Tiffanie, Tiffeny, Tifinie, Tiphanie, Tiphenie, Tyffany, and Tyffenie.
- Namesake: Tiffany Chin, Tiffany Darwish, Tiffany Haddish, Tiffani Thiessen, Tiffany Trump.
What Does Tiffany Mean?
Tiffany is a beautiful name with a modern yet timeless feel. The name Tiffany means “revelation of God” or “manifestation of God.”
This name is an Anglicized version of the Greek girl name Theophania. You can break Theophania down into two ancient components: theos and phainein.
- Theos: Means “God.”
- Phainein: Means “to show,” “to appear,” or “to bring to light.”
Combined, these words create the name Theophania (or the masculine Theophanes), meaning the appearing or revelation of God (1).
Tiffany closely relates to the Christian Feast of the Epiphany, which celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ’s birth to the Magi. The word Epiphany is essentially a synonym for the word Theophany. Because of this relationship, Christian culture strongly associates the name Tiffany with feelings of hope, light, celebration, and spiritual renewal.
Where Does the Name Tiffany Come From?
Although Tiffany is often associated with a modern, high-fashion aesthetic, the name has incredibly ancient origins. It is a prime example of what name experts call the “Tiffany Paradox”, a historical fact that feels false because the name sounds so modern.
The name originated with the Greek name Theophania. The Greek and later Latin word Theophany refers to the revelation of Christ’s birth and is celebrated as the Feast of the Theophany, or the Feast of the Epiphany.
In Old French, Theophany was translated to Tifinie or Tiphanie. When the name gained popularity in Anglo communities during the Middle Ages, parents would often name girls Tiffany if they were born on or around the Feast of the Epiphany (2).
Interestingly, around the 1600s, English-speaking people started using the word “tiffany” to describe a specific type of transparent silk or gauze fabric. This usage may be an abstract reference to the concept of “revelation” (seeing through the fabric) or simply a linguistic drift.
However, the name’s massive resurgence in the 20th century is almost entirely due to luxury branding. The name became synonymous with elegance thanks to Charles Lewis Tiffany, who founded Tiffany & Co. in 1837. Following the release of the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961, and the musical career of the pop star Tiffany in the 1980s, the name cemented its status as a cultural icon.
How Popular is the Name Tiffany?
Tiffany is a name that has experienced a dramatic trajectory. While it is currently a recognizable classic, it is no longer the chart-topper it once was.
In the United States, Tiffany experienced a meteoric rise starting in the 1960s, culminating in the 1980s when it became one of the defining names of the decade. It reached its absolute peak in 1988, ranking as the 13th most popular girl name in the country. During this era, it was as ubiquitous as names like Jessica or Ashley.
Since the turn of the millennium, the name has cooled off significantly (3). It has transitioned from a trendy hit to a “mom name” or established classic. As of today, Tiffany remains in the top 1,000 names, but it is now considered a rare gem rather than a playground staple. This makes it an excellent choice for parents who want a name everyone knows but few children currently have.
How Do I Pronounce Tiffany?
The standard pronunciation is TIF-uh-nee.
It is generally pronounced with three distinct syllables, though in rapid speech, the middle vowel can sometimes be softened to sound like “TIFF-nee.”
Is Tiffany a Boy or Girl Name?
Tiffany is traditionally a name for girls.
Historically, the root name Theophanes was used for males in ancient Greece, and occasionally surnames derived from Tiffany were applied to men in past centuries. However, in modern usage, Tiffany is strictly considered a feminine given name.
Variations of Tiffany
Because of its religious roots in Europe, Tiffany has several international variations.
- Theophania: The original Ancient Greek form.
- Tiffanie: A French variation that offers a slightly softer ending.
- Tiphanie: The Old French spelling, which feels more vintage.
- Tifany: A simplified spelling sometimes seen in Spanish-speaking communities.
- Tyffany: A modern Americanized spelling utilizing the “y” for stylistic flair.
Nicknames for Tiffany
This name offers great versatility for nicknames, ranging from the obvious to the creative.
Common Nicknames
- Tiff: The most universal shorthand.
- Tiffy: A sweet, diminutive option often used for children.
- Tia: A simple, upbeat option.
Creative & Rare Nicknames
- Effie: By dropping the “T,” you get this vintage gem that stands on its own.
- Fae: Derived from the “pha/fany” sound, giving the name a whimsical fairy-tale vibe.
- Thea: Pulling from the Greek root “Theophania.”
Names Similar to Tiffany
If you love the vibe of Tiffany but want to explore other options, consider these names that share its sound, structure, or history:
- Stephanie: Shares the Greek origin and the three-syllable rhythm with the “ph” sound.
- Brittany: Like Tiffany, this was an 80s/90s powerhouse that has transitioned into a modern classic.
- Natalie: A perfect parallel; while Tiffany is for Epiphany, Natalie is traditionally for Christmas.
- Bethany: A Biblical option that shares the soft “-any” ending.
- Melanie: Greek origin (meaning “black” or “dark”) with the same melodic flow.
- Trinity: Shares the spiritual “Three-in-one” meaning and the “T” initial.
- Felicity: Captures the same joyful, high-energy vibe as Tiffany.
- Thalia: A Greek muse name that feels like a shorter, more modern cousin to Theophania.
Middle Names for Tiffany
Tiffany is a rhythmic, three-syllable name, so it pairs best with middle names that ground it.
Short & Sweet
These one-syllable names prevent the full name from becoming a mouthful.
Classic & Royal
These traditional choices emphasize the “luxury” side of the name.
Nature & Whimsy
To soften the name and give it a boho-chic feel.
Sibling Names for Tiffany
If you are building a sib-set, you want names that match Tiffany’s ability to sound both established and friendly.
For a Brother
These names bridge the gap between “Cool 80s” and “Timeless Traditional.”
- Arthur: A classic that shares the medieval roots.
- Gregory: Strong, rhythmic, and historically compatible.
- Jeremy: Offers a similar relaxed, friendly syllable structure.
- Justin: A perfect era-match that still sounds fresh.
- Richard: A solid, kingly name that balances the femininity of Tiffany.
- Timothy: The closest phonetically for a brother; they sound great together.
For a Sister
These names share the sparkle and feminine strength of Tiffany.
- Amelia: A vintage name that has roared back into popularity.
- Crystal: If you want to lean into the sparkly, gemstone vibe.
- Genevieve: A longer French name that matches Tiffany’s elegance.
- Vanessa: Another name with good “glamour” associations and a ‘V’ sound that complements the ‘F’ in Tiffany.
- Victoria: A royal classic that stands toe-to-toe with Tiffany.
- Whitney: Shares the era popularity and the ending sound without rhyming too closely.
Famous People Named Tiffany
- Tiffany Chin: An American figure skater who became a World Bronze Medalist.
- Tiffany Darwish: Known simply as “Tiffany,” she is the pop icon who sang “I Think We’re Alone Now.”
- Tiffany Haddish: A Grammy and Emmy award-winning comedian and actress known for Girls Trip.
- Tiffani Thiessen: The actress famous for her roles as Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell and Valerie Malone on Beverly Hills, 90210.
- Tiffany Trump: A socialite and the fourth child of Donald Trump.
Tiffany in Pop Culture
- Tiffany Maxwell: The complex, dance-loving protagonist played by Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook.
- Tiffany Case: A “Bond Girl” and diamond smuggler in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever.
- Tiffany Valentine: The iconic antagonist and bride of Chucky in the Child’s Play horror franchise.
- Tiffany Doggett: A memorable character from the hit series Orange Is the New Black.
FAQs About the Name Tiffany
Is Tiffany a Medieval Name?
Yes, contrary to popular belief, Tiffany is a medieval name. It was a common English vernacular form of Theophania used in the 12th and 13th centuries, often given to girls born on January 6th (Epiphany).
Is Tiffany a Biblical Name?
The name Tiffany does not appear specifically in the Bible text. However, it is deeply religious in origin. It comes from “Theophany,” a theological term used to describe the visible manifestation of God to humankind, such as the Burning Bush or the Transfiguration.
What Is the Tiffany Paradox?
The Tiffany Paradox is a term often used by historical fiction writers. It refers to a historical fact (that Tiffany was a common medieval name) that modern audiences refuse to believe because the name sounds too contemporary. Writers often avoid using it in period pieces to prevent distracting the reader.
Is the Name Tiffany Considered Dated?
Tiffany is often categorized as a “time capsule” name because of its massive popularity in the 1980s. However, because it has such deep historical roots and a connection to luxury brands, many parents view it as a “modern classic” rather than purely dated. It is currently much less common than it was 30 years ago.
What Color Is Associated With the Name Tiffany?
The name is inextricably linked to “Tiffany Blue,” a colloquial name for the light medium robin egg blue color associated with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. This color association gives the name a bright, aquatic, and luxurious psychological profile.
Does Tiffany Mean “Three”?
No, Tiffany does not mean three. However, the similar name “Trinity” refers to the Holy Trinity. Tiffany refers to the Epiphany. The confusion often comes because the Epiphany involves the visit of the Three Magi (Wise Men), creating a loose numerical association.
Can Tiffany Be a Surname?
Yes, Tiffany functions as a surname. Notable people with this last name include Charles Lewis Tiffany (the jeweler) and Louis Comfort Tiffany (the stained glass artist). The surname derived from the first name Theophania or Tiffanie during the Middle Ages.
What Are Good Flower Names to Pair With Tiffany?
Because Tiffany is a strong, synthetic-sounding name, it pairs beautifully with soft organic middle names. Excellent floral options include Tiffany Rose, Tiffany Lily, Tiffany Violet, and Tiffany Iris.
