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.
✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.
“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.
“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.
✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!
Discover my family history nowQuestion: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.
Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.
Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chargement de la carte...
Enter the surname you are looking for below:
surnames > gofall
The last name Gofall is of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh word "gofall" meaning "careful" or "cautious". This surname is believed to have been used as a nickname for so...
surnames > gofatra
The last name "Gofatra" originates from Madagascar. It is a Malagasy surname and likely has its roots in the local language and culture of the region.
surnames > goff
The surname Goff is of Old English origin. It comes from a medieval occupational name for a smith or blacksmith, derived from the Middle English word "gof," which means "anvil." In...
surnames > goffar
The surname Goffar is of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word "gouffier" meaning "keeper of the pantry" or "steward." This surname was likely originally used as a...
surnames > goffe
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 p...
surnames > goffer
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 pott...
surnames > goffi
The surname Goffi is believed to have origins in Italy and Germany. In Italian, it could be a variant of the surname Goffi derived from the medieval given name Goffredo or Offredo,...
surnames > goffredi
The surname Goffredi is derived from the given name Godefredo, which is an Italian variant of Godfrey. This name is composed of the Old German elements "gott" meaning god and "frid...
surnames > goffredo
The surname Goffredo is an Italian name derived from the medieval given name Goffredo, which was a variant form of the Old High German name Godfred or Gothfried. This name was comp...
surnames > gofir
The surname "Gofir" is of Hebrew origin. It is believed to be a variation of the Hebrew surname "Gopher," which refers to someone who worked with or dealt in sulfur or brimstone. I...
surnames > gofle
The last name "Gofle" is of unknown origin and does not have a specific meaning in English. It is possible that it could be a variant spelling of a more common surname derived from...