The surname Goffney is of English origin and is derived from the Old English "Gofa" or "Godfrey," a compound of the elements "god" (good) and "frea" (lord). The name was popularized by the Normans after the Conquest, as it was borne by one of their most famous warriors, Godfrey de Bouillon, who led the First Crusade in the 11th century. The surname has various spellings including Goffin, Goforth, and Goffey, among others, and is found primarily in England and Wales.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Goffney
The meaning and origin of the last name Goffney
The surname Goffney is an English one, originating from the Middle Ages. It is thought to be derived from various locations with the same name found in different parts of England, such as Goffeney (in Nottinghamshire) or Gauffry's Naie (in Wiltshire). The name may also have been a nickname, possibly meaning "a person who came from Goffa's enclosure" in Old English. Over time, the spelling has evolved to its current form, with variations including Goffeny, Gofney, and others. The surname Goffney is relatively rare but can be found across the English-speaking world, particularly in England, Wales, and North America.
Geographical distribution of the last name Goffney
The surname Goffney is predominantly found in England and Wales, indicating its origins from the British Isles. According to data from Family Names of the World (Hanks and Hodges, 2006), it is most frequently concentrated in the counties of Staffordshire, Shropshire, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire. The name may be a variant of "Goffe," which is an Anglo-Saxon surname derived from a personal name composed of the elements "gof" (pledge) or "goff" (god) and "hea" (high). The distribution of Goffney outside of England and Wales is relatively scarce, with minor occurrences in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, likely as a result of emigration from Britain during colonial times.
Variants and spellings of the last name Goffney
The surname Goffney has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and pronunciation over time. Some common variations include Goffnee, Gaffney, Goffinie, Gofney, Gafney, and Gauncey. These variations may stem from regional dialects, spelling reformations, or even simple human error in historical records. Additionally, it's worth noting that the name could also have originated as a nickname derived from the Middle English word "gofen," meaning roasted meat, suggesting an occupational or nickname origin. These variations serve to highlight the diverse history and migration patterns of individuals bearing this surname.
Famous people with the last name Goffney
Notable individuals with the surname Goffney include:
1. James E. Goffney (1927-2013), an American attorney who served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri from 1964 to 1968.
2. Patty Goffney, a former professional basketball player who played in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) for the Utah Starzz and Los Angeles Sparks.
3. Randy Goffney, an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Raven, who is recognized for his work with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
4. Thomas A. Goffney, a United States Air Force general who served as the 10th Director of National Intelligence from 2005 to 2006.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as law, sports, and national security.
Genealogical research on the last name Goffney
The surname Goffney is believed to have originated from various regions in England, with multiple separate origins proposed. One theory suggests it could be a variant of "Godfrey," an Old French personal name composed of the elements 'god' (good) and 'fred' (peaceful ruler). Another theory proposes that Goffney is derived from Goffin, a Norman surname originating from the Old Norse word 'gofi' meaning 'smith.' The first known record of the surname appears in the 12th century in England. Notable individuals with the surname include English explorer John Goffe (1590-1660) and American Revolutionary War soldier Jesse Goffney (1743-1804). The name has multiple spelling variations including Goffeney, Goffeny, Goffeney, Goffeney, etc., due to factors such as regional dialects and the lack of standardized spelling during the Middle Ages.
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