The surname Goffe is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a variety of sources. One possible origin is from the Old English personal name "Godgifu," meaning "gift of God." Another possible source is from the Old Norse name "Gaufr" or "Gofri," which also means "gift of God." The surname may also have been an occupational name for a smith, as it derives from the Middle English word "goffe," meaning a hammer or a smith's tool. The name is most commonly found in England and Ireland.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Goffe
The meaning and origin of the last name Goffe
The surname Goffe is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name Godgifu, which means "gift of God." This name was popular among the Anglo-Saxons and Normans. It is believed that the surname evolved as a nickname for someone thought to have been named at birth by godparents who gave them the name Godgifu. Over time, the name's spelling evolved into various forms such as Goffey, Goffe, and Gaffey due to scribal errors, regional variations, and changes in pronunciation. The surname is most common in England, particularly in the counties of Kent, Essex, and Norfolk, and it also appears in Ireland and the United States.
Geographical distribution of the last name Goffe
The surname Goffe has a significant presence primarily in England and Ireland, with these countries accounting for the majority of its occurrences globally. In England, it is most common in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Kent, which may be indicative of historical settlement patterns or Norman influences. In Ireland, Goffe can also be found predominantly in the eastern part of the country, particularly County Dublin and County Meath. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries due to emigration, with notable populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Goffe are found in states such as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, likely reflecting immigration patterns from the 17th and 18th centuries. Overall, while the distribution of the surname Goffe is primarily concentrated in the British Isles, it has also dispersed to various parts of the world due to historical migration events.
Variants and spellings of the last name Goffe
The surname Goffe has several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Goff, Goffe, Goife, and Gaufe. Additionally, there are alternative spellings such as Goffey, Goffei, Gaffe, and even Gauffe or Goeffe in some regions or family trees. It is essential to note that these spelling differences might be a result of differences in transcription from one language to another, particularly when migrating to countries where English was not the native language. Furthermore, variations may also stem from changes in pronunciation over time or individual preferences for spelling their surnames.
Famous people with the last name Goffe
Among the prominent individuals with the surname Goffe are:
1. Roger Goffe (1602-1673), an English Puritan who emigrated to Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1638 and served as the town clerk of Salem, Massachusetts.
2. James Goffe (died 1685), a Quaker preacher who was imprisoned for his beliefs in England but later immigrated to America, settling in Providence, Rhode Island.
3. Major General John Goffe (1740-1812), an American Revolutionary War hero who led the defense of Fort Ticonderoga against British forces in 1775.
4. Sir Francis Goffe (1604-1672), an English soldier and politician, best known for his role as a Royalist commander during the English Civil War.
5. Stephen Goffe (born 1983), a Scottish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs in Scotland and England, including Celtic, Hearts, and Leicester City.
Genealogical research on the last name Goffe
The surname Goffe originates from Old English and Anglo-Saxon roots, with variations such as Goff, Gofe, and Goff being common. It is derived from the personal name Godfrey, which means "God's peace." This name was popular among the Normans and was brought to England by them after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The Goffe family has a notable historical figure, William Goffe, one of the regicides who signed King Charles I's death warrant during the English Civil War. After the Restoration, he and another regicide, John Derrick, fled to America and settled in Connecticut, where they lived under assumed identities until their deaths.
The surname Goffe is also found in England, particularly in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Somerset, and Dorset counties. In the United States, it is most common in New England, reflecting the migration of early settlers from England to America.
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