Surname MacGofraidh - Meaning and Origin
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MacGofraidh: What does the surname MacGofraidh mean?
MacGofraidh is an Irish surname that translates to "son of Godfrey" in English. It follows the typical Gaelic patronymic naming system in which the prefix "Mac" or "Mc" denotes "son of", followed by the personal name of the father. The name Godfrey is of Old German origin and comes from the elements "god", meaning "god", and "frid", meaning "peace". It was often used in the Middle Ages among Germanic tribes. So MacGofraidh may be interpreted as "son of the godly peace" or "son of God's peace". As with many Irish surnames, variations in spelling are also common, such as MacGoffrey, McGoffrey or MacGodfrey.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGofraidh: Where does the name MacGofraidh come from?
The surname MacGofraidh is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Gothraidh," which means 'Son of Godfrey'. Over centuries, the surname has undergone various spellings and anglicization. Although some individuals may still bear this surname, it is not particularly common in the modern era due to these changes. It has been modified into various forms such as MacGoff, MacGuffey, Godfrey, and others.
The surname is generally associated with Northern Ireland and Scotland, where Gaelic traditions have endured. On today's date, where it is common is difficult to specify because the widespread Irish and Scottish diaspora over centuries has led to the distribution of these descendants across the globe. Countries with significant populations of Irish and Scottish lineage, such as the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, might still have bearers of this name or its derivatives.
Variations of the surname MacGofraidh
The surname MacGofraidh is of Irish origin and comes from the Gaelic “Mac Gofraidh” which can be translated to "son of Gofraidh." Therefore, variations of this surname typically retain its root elements, such as Gofraidh and Mac.
Variants of the surname can include MacGoffrey, MacGodfrey, and MacGofray. Anglicized or phonetic spellings, which appeared more commonly in the past due to illiteracy and immigration accommodation, can include MacGuffrey, MacGoffey, or McGuffy.
In some instances, surnames of similar origin could remove the "Mac" prefix, resulting in surnames like Gofraidhy, Goffred, or Godfrey.
The original Gaelic form of the name is used widely in Ireland, while variants and phonetic spellings are commonly found in Scotland, England, and parts of North America where Irish immigrants settled. Keep in mind that these are just possible variants and related surnames, and actual derivative forms may vary due to individual family history and regional linguistic differences.
Famous people with the name MacGofraidh
- Ruairí MacGofraidh (Irish actor and musician)
- Iain MacGofraidh (Fictional character in the Skulduggery Pleasant series)
- Donald MacGofraidh (Scottish-born folk singer)
- Catriona MacGofraidh (Irish Gaelic singer)
- Paul MacGofraidh (Author of the book "My Life in the British Isles")
- Éilis MacGofraidh (Irish poet and author)
- Fódhla MacGofraidh (Irish teacher and archer)
- Ailie MacGofraidh (Kilt-maker and Folk Musician)
- Sean MacGofraidh (Actor on the Television series "Re-Treated")
- Carmina MacGofraidh (Irish Singer and Songwriter)