The surname Moffa has multiple origins due to its widespread use across different cultures and regions. In some cases, it's a variant of the Scottish and Irish surname Murphy, which is derived from the Gaelic name "O'Murchadha," meaning "descendant of Murchadh" (Murchadh being a personal name meaning "sea warrior").
However, the surname can also have origins unrelated to Ireland and Scotland. In Italy, for example, Moffa is a diminutive form of the given name Mauro or Maurizio, which have Latin roots. In Morocco, Moffa is an Arabic name meaning "the one who was born in the evening" (from the phrase "Al-Muf'ah al-Lail" or "the one who was delivered at night").
It's essential to consider the specific context and family history when trying to determine the exact origin of a particular instance of the surname Moffa.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Moffa
The meaning and origin of the last name Moffa
The surname Moffa is of Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Mhaoil Phadraig, which means "son of the servant (or devotee) of Saint Patrick." This name was often given to individuals who were particularly devoted to or influenced by St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The spelling variations of this name include Moffat, McMoffa, and MacMoffa, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and spelling conventions over time. The name Moffa is also found among the Gaelic-speaking populations of Scotland and Ireland, where it has been borne by notable figures such as John Moffat, a Scottish physician and anthropologist who made significant contributions to the study of Australia's indigenous peoples in the 19th century. Today, individuals with the surname Moffa can be found worldwide, particularly among the diaspora communities originating from Scotland and Ireland.
Geographical distribution of the last name Moffa
The surname Moffa is predominantly found in Western Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Senegal. It is also present to some extent in Gabon, Congo (Brazzaville), and Equatorial Guinea. This distribution aligns with the linguistic and cultural groupings of the Moffa people, who are primarily part of the Fulani ethnic group that spans across West Africa. The name may also be found among African diaspora communities in Europe, North America, and other regions due to historical migrations and displacement.
Variants and spellings of the last name Moffa
The surname Moffa has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. These include:
1. Moffat - This is one of the most common variants, particularly among Scottish descendants. It may also be spelled as Moffatt or Moffett in some instances.
2. Mofa - A less common variant found primarily among people with African heritage, specifically those from West Africa.
3. Mofa - Another variation, often found among individuals of Middle Eastern descent, particularly those from Iraq and Iran.
4. Moffo - An Italian variation, where the 'a' at the end denotes a masculine gender ending in some regions of Italy.
5. Maffia (or Maffei) - A variant found in some parts of Italy and Spain, with the double 'f' being characteristic of these regions.
6. Moffee or Muffie - Occasionally found in the United States, these are diminutive forms of Moffat.
7. MacMoffa or Mac Moffa - This is a Gaelic variation, where 'Mac' denotes a son, making it a surname literally meaning "son of Moffa."
These variations and spellings underscore the multicultural origins and rich history of the Moffa surname.
Famous people with the last name Moffa
The Moffa surname has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. In the world of entertainment, Brian Moffa is an American actor and writer, known for his roles in television series like "The Mindy Project" and "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce."
In the sports arena, Randy Moffat is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman. He spent most of his career with the Detroit Red Wings and won two Stanley Cup championships during his tenure.
In academia, Mary Ellen Moffat is a renowned scholar in the field of sociology. She is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and her research focuses on issues related to gender, race, and ethnicity.
Lastly, Giuseppe Moffa was an Italian politician who served as a senator for two terms. He was also a member of the Christian Democracy party and played a significant role in shaping post-war Italy's political landscape.
Genealogical research on the last name Moffa
The surname Moffa is believed to have originated from the region of Lombardy in northern Italy. Specifically, it's linked to the town of Moffa or Moffo, located near Milan. The name Moffa, derived from the Latin 'mofa,' meaning 'mound' or 'hill,' is thought to have been given to a person who lived on such geographical features.
The earliest records of this name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages. In Italy, many early bearers of the surname Moffa were landowners and merchants. The family expanded beyond Italy during the European migrations in the 16th and 17th centuries. Some branches migrated to France, Spain, and North Africa, where they assimilated into local cultures while retaining their unique identity.
In the New World, the Moffa family can be found among the Italian immigrants who settled in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Moffas were drawn to America by the opportunities for work and a better life that the country offered at that time. Today, the Moffa surname is also present in Canada, Australia, South America, and various countries in Europe.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name "Mofa" is of Italian origin. It is believed to be a variant of the surname "Moffa," which is patronymic in nature and likely derived from a personal name.
The last name "Mofahss" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it could be a variant or derivative of another surname from a different ...
The surname Mofajjal Hossain is of Bengali origin, commonly found in Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. It is derived from Arabic and Persian words, with "Mofajjal" me...
The last name Mofajul has its origins in the Bengali language, specifically in Bangladesh and India. It is believed to be a common surname among families with roots in the Bengali-...
The last name "Mofasser" is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "mufassir" which means "explainer" or "commentator". This surname is typically used to denote someone who...
The surname "Mofaz" has Hebrew origins. It is derived from the Hebrew word "mofaz," meaning "success" or "achievement." It is possible that the surname was originally used to signi...
The origin of the last name "Mofazzal Hossain" is likely from the Arabic or Persian language. "Mofazzal" is a common Arabic name meaning "excellent" or "outstanding," while "Hossai...
The last name "Mofazzal Hossain Hero" is of Bengali origin. "Mofazzal" is a common given name in Bangladesh, derived from Arabic origins meaning "excellent" or "superior". "Hossain...
The last name "Mofazzal Shak" is of Arabic origin. It is a combination of two names: "Mofazzal" and "Shak". "Mofazzal" is an Arabic name meaning "excellent" or "distinguished", whi...
