Surname Moffitt - Meaning and Origin

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V. Moffitt

Moffitt: What does the surname Moffitt mean?

The surname Moffitt, also spelled as Moffat, Moffet, or Moffatt, is of Scottish origin. It was derived from the ancient name of a town in Scotland, Moffat, located in Dumfriesshire. The town’s name was initially 'Mofet', from the Gaelic words 'magh' and 'fada', which literally translate as 'field' and 'long', respectively.

The Moffitt surname is therefore originally a locational or geographical surname, signifying that the initial bearers of this surname came from Moffat. Historically, the Moffitts or Moffats were a powerful Scottish clan in the Middle Ages.

This surname could also be an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name O'Moibhith, meaning a descendant of Moibhith. The personal name Moibhith is an old Irish name, composed of the elements 'muadh', meaning 'noble' or 'good', and 'beatha', signifying 'life'.

As with any surname, specific meanings could also have evolved based on the family's history, accomplishments, and experiences. However, the geographical and clan affiliations of the name remain a principal part of its historical meaning.

Moffitt: Where does the name Moffitt come from?

The last name Moffitt is primarily found today in areas of the United States, specifically the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. It is especially common in Alaska and Hawaii. It is also found in some parts of Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

The origins of the name can be traced to Scotland, where Moffitt is an amalgam of two Scottish words, mof (meaning soft) and fad (meaning foot). In the 11th century, when surnames first became commonplace, families began to take on names that differentiated them. Orginally, the name may have been an occupational name for someone who made soft-soled shoes.

Today, Moffitt is mainly found in the United States, and is most frequently located in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. It is especially popular in the states of Hawaii and Alaska. It is also found in some parts of Canada, Australia, and Europe, especially in the United Kingdom. Generally speaking, the name is rare throughout the world, but is more commonly found in English-speaking nations.

Variations of the surname Moffitt

The surname Moffitt is a patronymic name originating from North West England, with variants which include Moffat, Moffatt, McEwan Moffat, Moffatine, Moffete and Moffett. The spelling of this surname has evolved over time, with Moffat being the original spelling, followed by Moffatt and then Moffitt.

The origins of the Flora and Moffitt families of Scotland are uncertain, though records show they were well established in the Strathtay area of Scotland in the 11th century. The family was acquainted enough to intermarry with leading families of Scotland, which suggests that they were wealthy and influential.

Moffat is derived from the word mhaigh meaning ‘plain’ or field’ and ‘fad’ which is Gaelic for long and refers to a long, narrow valley. The suffix ‘at’, and the variants ‘att’ and ‘itt’ were added on to the word mhaigh when referring to a person from the area. This is how the surname Moffat was derived.

The spelling of Moffitt was first established in 1605 when Thomas Moffitt took up a position at an estate in Church Stretton, Shropshire. After him, the spelling of the family name changed to Moffitt and has stayed since then.

The Anglicized versions of these surnames are McEwan Moffat, Moffatine, Moffete and Moffett. All of these surnames carry on the original spelling 'Moffat' and provide variation in how people spell the surname today.

Famous people with the name Moffitt

• Bruce Moffitt: Bruce Moffitt is an American actor, best known for his roles in popular television series such as “Friends” and “The Big Bang Theory”.
• Mark Moffitt: Mark Moffitt is an American country music singer-songwriter, best known for his single “I’m Gonna Love You Anyway”.
• Sarah Moffitt: Sarah Moffitt is an American actress, known for her roles in films such as “Bridgewater” and “The Forgotten”.
• Karen Moffitt: Karen Moffitt is an American actress, best known for her roles in films such as “The Bonfire of the Vanities” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight”.
• William Moffitt: William Moffitt is an American actor, best known for his roles in films such as “The Last Samurai” and “Gallery of Fear”.
• Jack Moffitt: Jack Moffitt is an Australian actor, best known for his role in the television series “Underbelly: The Golden Mile”.
• Emma Moffitt: Emma Moffitt is a British television presenter, best known for her work on the long-running BBC series “Countryfile”.
• Peter Moffitt: Peter Moffitt is an American biologist and professor, best known for his research into insect ecology and behavior.
• John Moffitt: John Moffitt is a former American professional NFL football player, best known for his tenure playing for the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos.

Other surnames

Moffit