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 Welsh origin and is derived from the ancient Welsh personal name "Gough," which translates to "red" or "fiery." The name Goff was initially a nickname given to individuals with red hair or a ruddy complexion, and later evolved into a hereditary surname. It is worth noting that Goff is also a surname in England and Ireland but with separate origins. In England, it is believed to derive from the Old French word "gaufre" or "gouf," meaning a hollow or cavity. Alternatively, in Ireland, it is associated with the Gaelic "Ó Caoimh," meaning "descendant of Caoimh," a personal name meaning "kind" or "gentle." Over time and through migration, variants of the Goff surname have emerged including Gough, Goffe, and Gofe. Today, individuals with the surname Goff can be found around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goff

The surname Goff has a varied geographical distribution. It is primarily found in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, the name is most common in the southern states, such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia, reflecting its English and Irish origins. In the United Kingdom, Goff is more prevalent in England and Wales, particularly in the southern regions. Ireland also has a significant concentration of individuals with the Goff surname, with a strong presence in counties such as Wexford and Dublin. Australia and Canada have a smaller but notable number of Goff families, with concentrations in urban areas and regions settled by English and Irish immigrants. Additionally, the Goff name can be found in smaller numbers across other English-speaking countries and European countries due to migration and immigration patterns over the years.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goff

The last name Goff can be found in various spellings and variations, reflecting its diverse origins and history. Some common variations include Gough, Goffe, Goffin, and Goffman. These variations often stemmed from regional differences in pronunciation or dialects. For instance, Gough is primarily associated with Wales and is derived from the Welsh word "coch," meaning "red." Goffe, on the other hand, is more commonly found in England and could be traced back to the Old English word "gāf," meaning "god." Goffin and Goffman are less common variations but have their own distinct history. Ultimately, the spelling and variation of the last name Goff can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, cultural influences, and language transformations over time. Nonetheless, each variation represents a unique branch of the Goff family tree, weaving together a rich tapestry of ancestry and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Goff

One of the most notable individuals with the last name Goff is Robert Goff, an eminent British judge and politician who served as a Law Lord in the early 20th century. Lord Goff of Chieveley, as he later became known, made significant contributions to the development of the law, particularly in areas such as commercial law and human rights. His judgments and legal writings have had a lasting impact on the legal profession and continue to be studied and cited by legal scholars worldwide. In the field of American football, Jared Goff has gained fame as a quarterback for the National Football League (NFL). After a successful college career at the University of California, Berkeley, Goff was selected as the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He has since become a prominent figure in the NFL, leading his team to the Super Bowl in 2019 and consistently showcasing his skills as an agile and strategic player.

Genealogical research on the last name Goff

The surname Goff is an English and Irish name derived from multiple origins. In England, it is believed to have originated from the nickname "gough," meaning red-haired. Alternatively, it may be derived from a place name, such as Goff's Oak in Hertfordshire. In Ireland, the name is predominantly associated with the Gaelic Ó Gofa, which translates to "descendant of Goffa," a personal name possibly derived from the Irish gof, meaning blacksmith. Genealogical research of the Goff surname reveals numerous branches spread across different regions. In England, early records show Goff families in counties like Devon, Hampshire, and Kent, with some later migrating to other parts of the country. In Ireland, Goff families primarily resided in counties Kilkenny, Limerick, and Tipperary. Over time, Goff descendants further dispersed around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where their surnames persist through subsequent generations. Exploring individual family trees within the Goff lineage offers a fascinating insight into the diverse journeys and connections of this surname throughout history.