Moffat Surname
The Origins of the Surname Moffat
The surname Moffat is of Scottish origin and is believed to have derived from the Old French word "moufet," which means "mute," or "silent." It is thought to have been used as a nickname for someone who was quiet or reserved in nature.
Another possible origin of the surname Moffat is from the town of Moffat in Scotland. The town's name is derived from the Gaelic words "magh" and "fad," which mean "plain" and "long," respectively. This suggests that the surname may have been given to someone who lived in or near the town of Moffat.
The first recorded instance of the surname Moffat dates back to the 12th century in Scotland. Over the centuries, the surname has spread beyond Scotland to other English-speaking countries, including England, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Scotland
Unsurprisingly, the highest incidence of the surname Moffat is in Scotland, with 4,746 individuals bearing the name. This reflects the surname's Scottish origins and continued popularity within the country.
Throughout Scottish history, individuals with the surname Moffat have played significant roles in various aspects of society, including politics, academia, and the arts. Notable Moffats from Scotland include James Moffat, a prominent 18th-century politician, and Robert Moffat, a missionary and explorer in Africa during the 19th century.
United States
In the United States, there are 4,456 individuals with the surname Moffat, making it relatively common among the American population. The surname likely arrived in the US through Scottish and English immigrants who settled in the country during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Several prominent individuals with the surname Moffat have made significant contributions to American society. One example is Thomas Moffat, a Civil War general who played a key role in various military campaigns during the conflict. Additionally, Sarah Moffat became the first female mayor of Tempe, Arizona, in 1930.
England
In England, there are 3,975 individuals with the surname Moffat, indicating a notable presence of the name within the English population. The surname likely spread to England through migration and intermarriage with Scottish families over the centuries.
English Moffats have made noteworthy contributions to various fields, including literature, science, and business. Notable figures include Robert Moffat, a renowned 19th-century poet, and Sarah Moffat, a pioneer in the field of genetic research.
Other Countries
Aside from Scotland, the United States, and England, the surname Moffat can also be found in a variety of other countries around the world. In Nigeria, there are 3,615 Moffats, highlighting the name's presence in African countries. In Canada, 3,458 individuals bear the surname Moffat, while in Australia, there are 1,837 Moffats.
Overall, the surname Moffat has a rich history and a widespread presence across multiple countries. Its origins in Scotland and its subsequent spread to other parts of the English-speaking world have ensured that the name remains a significant part of many cultures and societies.
The surname Moffat in the globe
Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same takes place in the case of Moffat, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in most of the countries of the globe. In the same way there are nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women using the surname Moffat is greater than in other countries.
The map of the Moffat surname
The possibility of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Moffat in the world, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves in the map, for a tangible country, we can understand tangible amount of people with all the surname Moffat, to obtain in this manner the complete information of all the Moffat that one may presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not merely in which the surname Moffat originates from, but also in excatly what way the folks who're initially an element of the household that bears the surname Moffat have moved and moved. In the same manner, you are able to see by which places they've settled and developed, which is the reason why if Moffat is our surname, it seems interesting to which other countries of the world it will be possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.
Countries with more Moffat on earth
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Malawi (11696)
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Scotland (4746)
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United States (4456)
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England (3975)
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Nigeria (3615)
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Canada (3458)
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Australia (1837)
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Zimbabwe (1771)
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South Africa (1217)
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New Zealand (957)
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Kenya (801)
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Ghana (570)
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Botswana (419)
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Tanzania (137)
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Wales (136)
