Goforth Surname

The History of the Surname Goforth

The surname Goforth is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "gōd" meaning good and "ford" meaning ford or shallow place in a river where one can cross. Therefore, the name Goforth likely originally referred to someone who lived near a good ford or a ford that was easy to cross.

Origins of the Goforth Surname

The Goforth surname can be traced back to medieval England, where it first appeared in records in the county of Yorkshire. Over time, the name spread to other parts of England and eventually made its way to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In the United States, the Goforth surname is most common in the southern states, particularly in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky. It is believed that the first Goforths to settle in America arrived in the early 18th century, possibly as part of the wave of English immigrants who came to the colonies seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities.

Today, there are approximately 11,559 people with the surname Goforth in the United States, making it a relatively uncommon surname compared to others. The name is also found in smaller numbers in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, and the Philippines.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Goforth

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Goforth who have made significant contributions in various fields. One such individual is William Goforth, a British missionary who served in China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Another notable figure with the surname Goforth is Jack Goforth, an American aerospace engineer who played a key role in the development of the X-15 rocket plane, which set several world speed and altitude records in the 1960s.

In addition to these individuals, there are also several Goforth families who have achieved prominence in their respective communities through business, politics, and other endeavors. Their success serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those bearing the Goforth name.

Variants of the Goforth Surname

Like many surnames, the Goforth surname has undergone various spelling changes and adaptations over the centuries. Some common variants of the name include Goford, Gofurth, and Gofarth. These variations may have been a result of illiteracy, dialectal differences, or simply clerical errors in official records.

Despite these variations, the core meaning of the Goforth surname remains intact, reflecting the original association with a good ford or crossing point. This connection to the land and the natural environment is a reminder of the agricultural and rural origins of many surnames in England and other parts of the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Goforth is a fascinating and unique name with a rich history that spans several centuries and continents. From its humble origins in medieval England to its spread to the United States and beyond, the Goforth name has endured and thrived, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to discover and appreciate.

The surname Goforth in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar takes place when it comes to Goforth, which as you're able to corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname that can be present in all the nations associated with the world. In the same manner there are countries by which truly the density of people utilizing the surname Goforth is higher than far away.

The map associated with the Goforth surname

View Goforth surname map

The possibility of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Goforth on the planet, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves in the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to see the concrete number of individuals with the surname Goforth, to have in this manner the precise information of the many Goforth as you are able to currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to know not merely where the surname Goforth comes from, but also in what manner individuals who are originally part of the household that bears the surname Goforth have relocated and relocated. In the same way, it is possible to see in which places they have settled and developed, and that's why if Goforth is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other countries of this world it is possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Goforth in the world

  1. United States United States (11559)
  2. England England (218)
  3. Canada Canada (167)
  4. Nigeria Nigeria (24)
  5. Philippines Philippines (18)
  6. Australia Australia (13)
  7. Wales Wales (12)
  8. India India (8)
  9. Switzerland Switzerland (5)
  10. Afghanistan Afghanistan (1)
  11. Brazil Brazil (1)
  12. Costa Rica Costa Rica (1)
  13. Ecuador Ecuador (1)
  14. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (1)
  15. Iraq Iraq (1)