Mcgoff Surname

The History of the McGoff Surname

The surname McGoff is a common surname that has its origins in Ireland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Gothraidh, meaning 'son of Gothraidh'. This name is derived from the Old Norse name 'Guthrithr', which means 'God's peace'.

The McGoff surname is primarily found in the United States, with the highest incidence of 861 individuals bearing this surname. It is also found in other English-speaking countries such as England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Origins of the McGoff Surname

The McGoff surname can be traced back to the early medieval period in Ireland. The name Mac Gothraidh was first recorded in County Clare in the 11th century, and it spread throughout the country over the centuries.

Many Irish surnames, including McGoff, were anglicized during the period of English colonization of Ireland. This process involved translating Gaelic names into English equivalents, resulting in the adoption of new surnames by many Irish families.

Despite the anglicization of their surname, many Irish families have maintained a strong sense of pride in their Gaelic heritage. The McGoff surname continues to be an important part of Irish identity, with many individuals tracing their ancestry back to the original Gaelic clans.

Distribution of the McGoff Surname

As mentioned earlier, the McGoff surname is most commonly found in the United States, with 861 individuals carrying this surname. In the United Kingdom, the surname is more prevalent in England, with 136 individuals, and Scotland, with 75 individuals.

In Ireland, where the surname originated, there are 49 individuals with the surname McGoff. The surname is also present in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, albeit in smaller numbers.

Outside of the English-speaking world, the McGoff surname is found in countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Portugal. While the incidence of the surname is low in these countries, it is a testament to the global spread of Irish surnames.

Notable Individuals with the McGoff Surname

While the McGoff surname may not be as well-known as some other Irish surnames, there have been notable individuals throughout history with this surname. One such individual is John McGoff, a prominent Irish politician who served as a Member of Parliament in the 19th century.

Another notable figure with the surname McGoff is Mary McGoff, an Irish poet and writer who gained recognition for her works on Irish folklore and mythology. Her writings have been praised for their lyrical style and evocative imagery.

Overall, the McGoff surname has a rich history and is an important part of Irish and Irish-American heritage. It continues to be a symbol of pride and identity for many individuals around the world.

The surname Mcgoff within the world

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

The map associated with the Mcgoff surname

1. United States (861)
2. England (136)
3. Scotland (75)
4. Ireland (49)
5. Canada (13)
6. Netherlands (5)
7. New Zealand (5)
8. Sweden (2)
9. Australia (1)
10. Nigeria (1)
11. Norway (1)
12. Puerto Rico (1)
13. Portugal (1)