Surname Goffe - Meaning and Origin

Goffe: What does the surname Goffe mean?

The surname Goffe is of English origin, derived from the Old French personal name "Godefrei", "Godefroi", or "Gaufrid". These names are composed of the elements "god", meaning "good", and "frid" or "fred", meaning "peace". Hence, Goffe denotes "good peace". It was brought to England by the Normans during their conquest in 1066. The surname Goffe has also been spelled as Gough, Goff, and Gof. As with many surnames, regional and dialectal differences led to the emergence of several variations. Over years, the family spread across various counties and regions in England. The surname Goffe might also have occupational roots for someone who worked as a smith. The nickname 'goff' meant a heavy, loutish person, and this could have been applied to a smith due to the physical strength required for the job. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and the same surname could have been independently created several times. Therefore, the surname's meaning might vary based on the individual family history.

Goffe: Where does the name Goffe come from?

The surname Goffe originated from the British Isles. It is an Anglicized form of the Old French name "Gaufier", which was introduced to England through the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name is a compound of the elements "gau", meaning "territory", and "frid", meaning "peace".

This surname had many different variations and spellings over time, including Goff, Gough, and Goffe. Over centuries, it became spread throughout English-speaking and other countries around the world.

Today, the surname Goffe is most common in the United States, particularly in the states of Massachusetts, New York, and California. However, it is still prevalent in the United Kingdom, especially in the regions of South East and London. Outside these countries, it is present but less common.

Variations of the surname Goffe

The surname Goffe has several variants and spellings due to regional influences and transcription errors over the years. Some of these variants include Goff, Gough, Goffe, and Gauff. Goff is the simplified and modernized form of the name, while Gough is a Welsh variation, meaning red or mighty. The surname Goffe is often confused with Gauff because of its phonetic similarity.

Derived from an Old Norse personal name “Gauti,” it was brought to England by Danish invaders and was later adopted into Old French during the Norman conquest. It can also be traced back to the Old Welsh name "Coch," meaning red.

In addition to these, there are similar surnames with potential shared origins such as Goffin, Goughan, and Goffman. Although the spelling and pronunciation have changed over the years, these names likely originated from the same or similar root words and historical backgrounds.

Also, due to regional dialects and accents, Goffe could have been spelled phonetically, leading to variants such as Goaf, Gof, or Goaff. Each variation of the surname carries with it a rich history and shared heritage.

Famous people with the name Goffe

• Jared Goff: An American professional football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL).
• Stefan Goffe: A well-known Jamaican music producer.
• Trevor Goffe: A Black-British photographer who gained fame for his tremendous work in the field of photography.
• William Goffe: A 17th century English parliamentarian best known for being one of the judges who sentenced King Charles I of England to death in 1649.
• Robert Goffe: An English actor in the 17th century who was a member of the King's Men, the acting company of William Shakespeare.
• Wharton Goffe: An Australian former rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Bob Goffe: Former U.S. basketball player who played in the 1940s and 1950s.
• Judy Goffe: A Jamaican potter known for her stoneware and porcelain pieces.
• Kala Goffe: A former Canadian professional soccer player.
• George Goffe: A British civil servant who served in senior positions in various British colonial administrations in the early 20th century.

Other surnames

GoffGöffertGoffmann