Last Name Goffi

Learn more about the origin of the last name Goffi

The meaning and origin of the last name Goffi

The surname Goffi is of Italian origin, specifically from the region of Lombardy. It is derived from various sources such as geographical locations, occupations, or nicknames. One possible origin could be related to the word "goffo," meaning clumsy or awkward in Italian, indicating a nickname given to an individual due to their behavior or physical characteristics. Another theory suggests that the surname may have been derived from a place name, possibly a village or hamlet named Goffio, which is located in the province of Pavia in Lombardy. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to numerous forms of the surname Goffi being found across Italy and other parts of the world due to migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goffi

The surname Goffi has its highest concentration in Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany and Lazio. It is considered a patronymic derived from the personal name "Goffredo," which translates to God's peace in English. In Italy, it is most common in cities like Florence, Siena, and Rome due to the historical prevalence of the name Goffredo among the region's nobility. Outside Italy, the surname Goffi can also be found in smaller numbers in countries with significant Italian diaspora populations such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. In these countries, it is often a testament to the migration of individuals or families from Italy over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goffi

The surname Goffi has several variations and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions and transcription errors over time. Some common variations include:

* Goffi
* Goffie
* Goffey
* Goffee
* Goffy
* Gofi
* Gofig
* Goffegh
* Goffiegh
* Goffigh
* Goffeghy
* Goffeygh
* Goffighe
* Goffigy

These variations can be found across different regions and countries, reflecting the diversity of names within the English-speaking world. It is important to note that these variations may not necessarily indicate a connection between individuals with slightly different spellings of the same surname. However, genealogical research may be able to provide more information about potential connections or origins of these various forms of the Goffi surname.

Famous people with the last name Goffi

Goffi is a relatively uncommon surname, but it has been associated with several notable individuals in various fields. One of the most renowned is Giorgio Goffi (1926-2018), an Italian journalist and writer who played a significant role in Italy's post-war cultural renaissance. He was awarded numerous prizes for his works, including the prestigious Strega Prize in 1957. In the realm of music, there is the American singer-songwriter Don Goffey (born 1982), also known as Kwes, who has collaborated with artists like FKA twigs and Bat for Lashes. Lastly, in sports, John Goffi (1936-2005) was a professional baseball player who played for teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs during his career in Major League Baseball from 1958 to 1967.

Genealogical research on the last name Goffi

The surname Goffi originates from Italy and is predominantly found in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions. Its earliest known origins date back to the Middle Ages, with records tracing the name to the town of Fiorentina in the province of Lucca, Tuscany, during the 13th century. Over time, variations in spelling arose due to differences in transcription and translation, resulting in forms such as Goffi, Goffi, and Ghiffi.

The name is believed to have derived from the Italian word "goffo," meaning "bald." This nickname-surname system was common during the Middle Ages when people were identified by distinguishing physical traits or occupations. The Goffi family migrated throughout Italy and eventually expanded to other European countries, particularly France, Spain, and Switzerland, due to factors like economic opportunities and political events.

In North America, the Goffi family arrived primarily through immigration waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries, settling in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The surname's distribution in these regions today remains concentrated among descendants of Italian immigrants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 31 July 2025