The name Goff is of Irish origin and means "hawk." It is derived from the Old Irish word "gaibhin," which also means "hawk." The name has a long history in Ireland, dating back to the Middle Ages when it was often used as a personal name.
In medieval Ireland, the name Goff was associated with several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Gofraid, who was a king of Mann and the Isles during the 13th century. Another notable figure was Gofraid mac an Bháird, who was a chief of the Uí Fiachrach Aidhne in County Galway during the same period.
The name Goff has also been used as a surname in Ireland for generations. It is believed to have originated from one of two places: either from the Norman family de Gofraid, which settled in Ireland in the 12th century, or from an Irish sept known as Ó Gabhann, who were native to County Offaly.
Despite its historic significance, the name Goff is not particularly common today. According to some sources, it is estimated that fewer than five people with this first name live in the United States alone. However, those who bear this unique name can take pride in its rich history and meaningful origin story.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Goff has seen a relatively small but consistent presence in the United States over time.
From 1888 to 1920, there were only 11 recorded births with the name Goff across both years. In 1888, there were 5 newborns named Goff, while in 1920, that number increased slightly to 6 babies being given this name.
While these figures may seem low compared to more popular names, it's important to note that having fewer than 10 births per year for a specific name is not uncommon. According to the Social Security Administration's data on baby names in the U.S., there are many names each year with less than 5 occurrences.
The consistency of Goff's appearances, with at least one birth every decade from 1888 onwards, suggests that this name has been passed down through generations within certain families or communities. Despite its rarity, Goff maintains a small but steady presence among baby names in the United States.