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Last Name Goheen

What is the origin of the last name Goheen?

The surname Goheen is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the medieval Gaelic name "Mac Eoghainn," which means "son of Ewan." The name Ewan itself is a variant of the name John. The Goheen surname is commonly found in Scotland and also among Scottish descendants in other countries such as the United States and Canada.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Goheen

The meaning and origin of the last name Goheen

The surname Goheen is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Guaire," meaning proud or noble. It is believed to have originated in County Offaly in Ireland. The name Goheen may have been anglicized from its original form due to the influence of English settlers in Ireland. The Goheen family is thought to have been an important clan in Irish history, known for their leadership and noble characteristics. Over time, variations of the surname such as Gougeon and Gogan have emerged, reflecting the evolution of the name as it spread to different regions. Today, individuals with the surname Goheen can be found primarily in Ireland and the United States, with a proud heritage and history dating back centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goheen

The last name Goheen is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states with a strong historical connection to British and Irish immigration such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Additionally, there are significant populations of individuals with the surname Goheen in Canada, specifically in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. The name is more prevalent in English-speaking countries due to its Anglo-Saxon roots, but there are also smaller populations of Goheens scattered throughout Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Beyond these regions, the surname is less common but can still be found in countries like Australia and New Zealand. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Goheen suggests a strong connection to regions with a history of British colonial influence and immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goheen

The surname Goheen has various spellings and variations, including Gohen, Gohin, Gohene, Gohenne, Gohin, Gohean, and Gohyn. These alternate spellings are often seen in historical records or genealogical databases due to variations in pronunciation and spelling conventions over time. The name Goheen is of Irish origin and is believed to have derived from the Gaelic word "gabhann," meaning "blacksmith." The surname has been found in various regions of Ireland, Scotland, and the United States, with different branches of the family possibly adopting different spellings of the name. Despite the different variations, the surname Goheen remains a distinctive and unique name with a rich history and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Goheen

One famous person with the last name Goheen is William Henry Goheen, an American football player who played halfback for the University of California, Berkeley in the early 1900s. He was known for his exceptional speed and agility on the field and was a key player in helping his team win the national championship in 1920. Another notable figure with the last name Goheen is Steven Goheen, a renowned theologian and author who has written extensively on the topics of Christianity and culture. His work has been influential in shaping contemporary discussions on faith and society. Overall, the Goheen name is associated with talented individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Goheen

The last name Goheen is of Dutch origin, derived from the Middle Dutch word "gode," meaning "good" or "God," and the suffix "-heen," which may refer to a "lane" or "path." The surname Goheen is believed to have originated in the Netherlands before spreading to other parts of Europe and eventually to North America. Genealogical research on the Goheen surname reveals a long and storied history, with branches of the family residing in various regions of the world. Notable individuals with the surname Goheen include John Goheen, an American politician from Washington state, and Duane Goheen, a former professional basketball player. Through the study of census records, immigration documents, and other historical archives, descendants of the Goheen family can trace their lineage back several generations and learn more about their ancestors' origins and heritage.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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