Last Name Goff

Learn more about the origin of the last name Goff

The meaning and origin of the last name Goff

The surname Goff is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from various Old English and Middle English words such as "gof" or "geof," which mean "smith" or "blacksmith." It is also possible that the name may be related to the Old Norse word "Gautr," meaning "God," as surnames were often adopted based on religious beliefs, occupations, or physical characteristics. The earliest recorded spelling of the name Goff appears in records dating back to the 13th century in England, suggesting that it is an ancient and well-established surname with a rich history. Over time, the name has been found among various groups throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and even in some regions of America as a result of immigration during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Goff family has produced notable individuals across many fields, including politics, business, literature, and the arts.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goff

The surname Goff is predominantly found in Ireland and England, with significant concentrations in both countries. Historically, it originated from counties such as Cork, Kerry, and Tipperary in Ireland, and Yorkshire and Lancashire in England. Over time, emigration has led to a scattering of the name across other regions. In North America, it is most prevalent in areas with strong Irish immigrant populations like Boston, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In Australia, it can be found in New South Wales and Victoria, reflecting the influence of British immigration during the colonial period. The name Goff can also be found in smaller numbers in Scotland and Wales, as well as other English-speaking countries such as Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goff

The surname Goff has various spellings and forms across different regions. Some common spelling variations include: Goff, Goffe, Goph, Gaffe, Gaufe, and Gauff. These variations originate from English-speaking countries, particularly England and the United States. Other less common versions may include Gauffeaux (French), Gof (Hungarian), or Gow (Scottish). The name is generally of Old English origin, derived from a nickname for someone with a snub nose, or a term for a small goat. As with many surnames, changes in spelling over time can be attributed to factors such as phonetic spelling, regional dialects, and scribal errors during the Middle Ages.

Famous people with the last name Goff

Notable individuals with the surname Goff include:

1. Brian Goff (born 1946), an American actor who played the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek fan production film, Star Trek: New Voyages.
2. Charles Goff Jr. (1873-1960), a prominent American architect known for designing many buildings in Texas, including the Dallas County Courthouse and the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture.
3. Eleanor Roosevelt Goff (1885-1962), the first wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1920.
4. Frank Goff (born 1938), an American professional football player who played as a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and the Oakland Raiders. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
5. John Goff (born 1954), an Irish businessman and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Sodexo Ireland and a prominent figure in the hospitality industry.
6. Mark Goff (born 1983), an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer who is the drummer for the alternative rock band, Switchfoot.
7. Thomas H. Goff (1844-1909), a Union Army officer during the American Civil War and later the Mayor of New York City from 1896 to 1898.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as acting, architecture, politics, sports, music, and business.

Genealogical research on the last name Goff

The surname Goff is of Old English origin, derived from the nickname "Geof" or "God's servant." This name was primarily found in England and Scotland, with early records tracing back to the late Middle Ages. In England, the earliest recorded ancestor of the Goff family is Robertus Goffe, who lived during the reign of King Henry III (1216-1272). The name also appears in Scotland as early as the 14th century with John Goff mentioned in the Register of the Great Seal of Scotland. Throughout history, notable individuals bearing this surname include Sir Henry Goff, an English Knight of the Shire for Yorkshire during the reign of King Edward III (1327-1377), and Mary Goff, a 17th-century American colonist who settled in Virginia. The family has since spread globally, with significant populations found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Goff"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025