The surname Goffer is of French and German origin. It is derived from a variety of sources, including a nickname for someone who played the goffe or goffre, a type of medieval pottery or metalware, or a short form of various given names containing the element god, meaning "good." In France, Goffer may be a variation of Geoffroy, a name derived from the Germanic elements godo (good) and fridu (peace). In Germany, it could potentially stem from the nickname for someone with a hooked nose or bey, meaning "beaked," with the addition of the diminutive suffix -er. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation may have evolved over time due to factors such as migration, regional dialects, and changes in language norms.
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The surname Goffer is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name Gaufrid, which was composed of the elements "gauf" (brave, strong) and "frid" (peace). Over time, this personal name evolved into various forms such as Geoffrey, Jehan Geoffroi, and eventually Goffer. The surname spread from France, particularly Normandy, to other regions during the Middle Ages due to migrations, crusades, and the establishment of the Norman dynasty in England. It is also found among Jewish families of Sephardic descent, who were expelled from Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century and dispersed throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. Today, the surname Goffer can be found in various countries and populations around the world.
The surname Goffer has a significant presence primarily in France and Switzerland, where it is most common. In France, it is concentrated in the region of Alsace-Lorraine, particularly around Strasbourg, but also in other parts of the country such as Normandy and Brittany. In Switzerland, the name is predominant in the German-speaking cantons like Aargau, Basel-Land, and Zürich. The surname Goffer also has a smaller presence in Israel, which may be attributed to Jewish immigrants from France or Eastern Europe. There are also occurrences of the name in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, suggesting dispersal through migration and assimilation over time.
The surname Goffer has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some variations include: Goffer, Goffer, Gofer, Goffa, Goffe, and Goff. These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors in recording, or intentional changes for various reasons. It is worth noting that the surname Goffer or its variations can have different origins depending on the region. For instance, it could originate from the Old English 'gofa' meaning 'smith' or 'coppersmith', or from a personal name such as Godferd, derived from the Germanic 'God' and 'ferth' meaning 'traveler'. The spelling of these names can also change over time and across geographical regions.
Notable individuals with the surname Goffer include:
1. Arthur H. Goffer: An American economist and professor emeritus at New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business, known for his work in the fields of labor economics and industrial organization.
2. Dov Glickman-Goffer: An Israeli musician, producer, and songwriter who has worked with various artists and is known for combining diverse musical styles.
3. Eliot Goffer: A Canadian lawyer and businessperson who served as the President and CEO of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) from 2004 to 2017.
4. Michael S. Goffer: An American mathematician and Professor Emeritus at University of Southern California, known for his work in mathematical logic, model theory, and set theory.
5. Randy Goffer: A Canadian musician and producer who has worked with various artists, and is also the founder of Cargo Records.
6. Sarah Goffman (formerly Goffer): An American actress, known for her roles in films such as "Midnight Cowboy," "Five Easy Pieces," and "The Long Goodbye."
These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning economics, music, law, mathematics, and entertainment.
The surname Goffer is of uncertain origin, but it's believed to be derived from various sources including Germanic, Jewish, and French origins. In Germany, the name could have origins related to the word "gaffer," meaning foreman or supervisor. For Jews, the name may have its roots in the Yiddish term "gofer," which means messenger. In France, the name could be a variation of the name Geoffroy or Geoffrey, derived from the Germanic name "Gaufrid" or "Geoffrid," meaning pledge or hostage. The earliest record of the surname Goffer can be traced back to medieval Europe. Notable individuals with this surname include Henry Goffer, a French composer and violinist who lived in the 18th century, and Sarah Goffer, an English woman who was the first black person to be formally recognized as a British citizen by birthright in 2002. The geographical distribution of the name is widespread, with significant populations found in France, England, Germany, Israel, and the United States.
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