Surname Gogrefe - Meaning and Origin

Gogrefe: What does the surname Gogrefe mean?

The last name Gogrefe is of German origin. It is an occupational surname likely derived from the medieval profession of gaffers. Gaffers were craftsman and suppliers of various items such as rope, canvas, and leather required by the ships of the Hanseatic league. The surname Gogrefe would have originally referred to someone who performed this role.

Gogrefe is a particular spelling of the historically more popular surname Gaffre. Variants of the name can also be seen as Gaffrey, Gaffascist, Gogreve, and Gaffer. All are derived from the same root.

Gogrefe is a rare surname with few people bearing the name today. Records show that the surname dates as far back as 1590 in Germany and was mostly used in the eastern side of the country. It is not clear that many of the Gogrefes still live in the area.

With the peak of the Hanseatic League having passed, the traditional role of the gaffer is no longer in much demand, and the surname may now be an antiquated relic of the past. That said, the name has survived for hundreds of years and is likely to remain in common usage among descendants of those who chose to adopt the name during its heyday.

Gogrefe: Where does the name Gogrefe come from?

The last name Gogrefe is most commonly found in the United States, specifically in the Midwest region. Recent records indicate that there are approximately 250 people living in the U.S. with this last name today. It is believed to have been a name originating in Germany before it made its way to the states, although there is no certain origin. It is an uncommon name, so most people with this surname are probably related in some way.

Gogrefe families today may still be connected to their original German ancestry, as this is the most likely origin of the name. Looking at census records from the early 1900s shows that most of the Gogrefes were living in the Midwest, in states like Nebraska and Kansas. This name has also been found in North Dakota, South Dakota, and even up into New Jersey, indicating that at some point in time the Gogrefe family moved around to different parts of the U.S.

A search of the internet today reveals that not much is known about where this family comes from or why the name was given to them. It is assumed that this is because of how uncommon this last name is. Gogrefe families today may still have connections to their past, however, as people with this uncommon name are usually related to some degree.

Variations of the surname Gogrefe

The surname Gogrefe has several variants, spellings, and related surnames of the same origin. Some of the variants of Gogrefe are Gogreef, Gogref, Gogriff, and Gogrief. Additionally, phonetic spellings such as Gogriif, Googreeff, and Googref have also been recorded.

The origin of the surname is most likely French, and the name may have derived from "Plusgogrife," which was an old French name meaning "great scribe." It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who was an eloquent writer or speaker.

Another potential origin for the Gogrefe surname is from Old German words of gurg (mad) or gurgut (furious) and Riff (rang, cry). This would suggest that the surname originated from a nickname for a person who went into wild rages and had an angry temper.

Other related surnames of the same origin are Gugruiff, Gorgif, Griggiff, Gogorves, Grogor, and Grogerv.

Although the origin of the Gogrefe surname is uncertain, its various forms and related surnames suggest a French origin with possible German influence. Gogrefe is likely to have started out as a nickname for an authoritative oracle and may have evolved from there to describe someone with a fiery disposition.

Regardless of its origin, the Gogrefe surname is distinct and has held strong for many generations.

Famous people with the name Gogrefe

• Juliette Gogrefe, American model and actress
• Natasha Gogrefe, American actress
• P. J. Gogrefe, CEO of Cellu-Tek Solutions Group
• William Gil Gogrefe, German-born American military officer
• Bruno Gogrefe, Brazilian football coach
• Jorge Gogrefe, Venezuelan journalist
• Randall Gogrefe, American pastor
• Saul Gogrefe, Venezuelan baseball player
• Tanya Gogrefe, Venezuelan-American singer
• Amanda Gogrefe, Former president of the Central Alabama Community College

Other surnames

Gogrewe