Surname Goforth - Meaning and Origin
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Goforth: What does the surname Goforth mean?
The surname Goforth is of English origin and has a historical background linked to the Medieval period. It is derived from the Middle English phrase "go forth", which was often used as an expression to direct someone to proceed or continue their journey. The surname might have likely started as a nickname for someone who was always traveling or known for going ahead, pioneering, or leading. It holds a connotation of "progress" and "forward movement". Notably, the evolution and usage of such surnames were common in the Middle Ages. Over the years, Goforth has existed in various spellings across different regions. It translates literally to "go forward" signifying a pathfinder or a trailblazer.
Order DNA origin analysisGoforth: Where does the name Goforth come from?
The surname Goforth is of English origin, derived from Old English pre 7th century term "goforþ" meaning "go forth". It was often bestowed as a nickname to someone who was known for travelling or embarking on a journey.
The first recorded instance of this surname was in the County of Kent, where they held a family seat since ancient times, and Robert Goforth was the first recorded individual in the Pipe Rolls in 1198. The surname was also recorded in other forms like Goffart, Gotfert and Gofforth among others.
Today, Goforth is most commonly found in the United States, with a significant number of individuals bearing the surname particularly in the states of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. There is also a considerable concentration of Goforths in England where the name originated. However, due to global movement and migration, the name can be found in various countries to a lesser extent.
Variations of the surname Goforth
The surname Goforth is an English surname that has a few variations in spelling and structure. These variations include Gofforth, Gofoarth, Gofroth, Goffroth, Goferth, and Goafarth among others. Some people with this last name might also have changed it to a more phonetic spelling like Go4th or goforth, particularly in online contexts or for business names.
Additionally, there could be different kinds of surnames of the same origin. The surname Goforth might be linked to place names like Gough, which is an area in England, or names like Forth or Firth that indicate a geographical feature (a river or estuary).
Remember, the variety in spelling can occur due to regional accents, translation from other languages or due to clerical errors in documentation over centuries. Goforth is a patronymic surname which are derived from the father's given name and often ends with "-son," however Goforth doesn't follow this pattern. It is likely an occupational or habitational surname derived from an unrecorded Old English personal name or a place name, thus the lack of the "-son" ending.
Famous people with the name Goforth
- Jason Goforth: He was a guitarist in the bands Ayin and Shipping News.
- Jonathan Goforth: He was a Canadian Presbyterian missionary who served in China between 1888 and 1936.
- George W. Goforth: He was a U.S. Representative from Alabama.
- Lilly Goforth: She was the wife of Jonathan Goforth and co-worker in his missionary efforts.
- Megan Goforth: She is an author known for her books in the romance genre.
- David Goforth: He is a professional baseball player who played for the Milwaukee Brewers in the Major League Baseball.
- Greg Goforth: He is a notable American businessman.
- Richard Goforth: He was a British ornithologist.
- John Goforth: He is a radio personality, host of the podcast "Hysteria 51".
- Gail Goforth: She is a visual artist based in the United States.
- Tim Goforth: He is a notable figure in the field of Christian ministry.
- Steve Goforth: He was a professional basketball player who played in the NBA.