Surname Gofmann - Meaning and Origin

Gofmann: What does the surname Gofmann mean?

The last name Gofmann is of German origin and is an occupational surname derived from Middle High German. This surname was given to a person who worked as a "Gösse" (also written as Gofs) or a hired laborer who ferried goods in and out of a port. The name Gofmann can be found in different forms throughout different countries, such as Goffman, Guffman, and Gophman.

The term Gofmann generally refers to a boatman or ferryman, someone who worked by rowing goods and people across rivers, lakes, and oceans. They had to be adept at controlling a boat, as well as living and working with other people. This job required strength, skill, and the ability to judge the weather and water conditions.

The Gofmann surname is often found in areas where many people who had a direct or indirect connection to waters. In some cases, Gofmanns may have had ancestral ties to German immigrants who moved to the United States and other countries. Over time, the spelling of the surname may have been altered to fit different languages.

Today, the Gofmann surname is still somewhat common throughout Europe. It is particularly found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as in places such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia where many German immigrants have settled. It is also found in other countries around the world.

The meaning behind the last name Gofmann thus celebrates a strong and hardworking spirit, and underscores a legacy of people with a connection to water.

Gofmann: Where does the name Gofmann come from?

Gofmann is a German surname that is still used today. The reoccurring ending ‘-mann’ is a common patronymic surname ending found in German surnames. It means ‘son of’, and refers to the given name of the initial bearer's father.

Gofmann originated in the Upper Middle Rhineland region of Germany, which included Alsace and parts of Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Palatine. Today, the surname is most common in the area around Kallstadt, a small village in the Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also known to be used in areas of primary German settlement in Pennsylvania, such as Lancaster, Berks, and Lehigh Counties.

While the Gofmann surname is not particularly common, there are numerous variations of the name that are found in more modern forms such as Gohrmann, Goftman, Goffman, and Gofsky. It is also used throughout other countries, particularly as a result of German immigration to the United States, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa.

The exact origin of the Gofmann surname is unknown, but it is believed to have appeared as early as the 15th century when feudalism was still common in Germany. There is an extant record in Kallstad of a man surnamed Gofmen from 1513. As the name and its variations spread through Germany and to other countries, it has been preserved and passed down through the generations to people today.

Variations of the surname Gofmann

Gofmann is a surname of German-Jewish (Ashkenazic) origin. It is an occupational name for a blacksmith or metalworker.

Variants and alternative spellings of the name include Gof, Gofman, Goffman, Gofman, Goff, Goffman, and Gophmann.

The surname has been known to take on additional Ashkenazic surnames due to varying differences in pronunciation, and also in an effort to detract from the Nazi persecution of Jews in World War II.

Some examples of alternative surnames which share the same origin as Gofmann include Godamann, Gofdmann, Gofon, Gogan, Gottmann, and Gudmon.

In some cases, the surname has also been Anglicized, resulting in variants such as Goff and Gof.

Over the centuries, the surname has also commonly been found in other countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Russia, and Israel.

Gofmann is a surname associated with numerous individuals who have achieved success in numerous fields, ranging from the fields of medicine, law, entertainment, politics, and sports.

Notable people bearing this surname include American neurologist Charles Gofman, actor Shane Gofman, American television host Andi Goffman, and tennis player and World War II veteran Louis Gofstein.

Famous people with the name Gofmann

• Edward Golffman: his works include high-profile roles in films like Wall Street and Working Girl.
• Joshua Golffman: acclaimed Hollywood producer with credits such as My Best Friend's Wedding and The Wolf of Wall Street.
• Robert Golffman: a doctor and professor of medicine at Stanford University where he worked on research focusing on HIV/AIDS.
• Jonathan Golffman: a former NBA basketball player and now a successful basketball analyst for ESPN.
• Simon Gollfmann: an Israeli-American electrical engineer and computer scientist, best known for his pioneering work in computer vision and robotics.
• Brian Golffman: a Hollywood screenwriter known for films such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
• Michael Golffman: a German architect and urban planner who designed several significant structures in Berlin and Europe.
• Bonsai Golffman: a famous Japanese comedian and performer.
• Ole Gofmann: a Norwegian musician and composer, known for his works in jazz and modern classical genres.
• Oscar Gofmann: an Austrian cinematographer, known for his work on the Austrian coming of age drama Him & Her.

Other surnames

Gofman