Surname Gofourth - Meaning and Origin
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Gofourth: What does the surname Gofourth mean?
The surname Gofourth is of English origin and is considered a metonymic occupational name. It is believed to have been derived from an interesting phase of medieval jobs related to travel and trade during the 12th to 15th centuries. The spelling variants include Goforth, Gofforth, Gofoorth, Gofourth, and others, originating from the Middle English term "goforth" likely composed of the elements "go" and "forth" instructing someone to move onward, inferring the duties related to trade and travel. Therefore, this surname might have been used for someone who was tasked with going forth to conduct trade, deliver messages, or perform errands. It could have also possibly referred to someone who lived by a ford which people often used to travel across a river. Like many other surnames, Gofourth appears to be topographic (based on a place) or metonymic (based on a unique quality or occupation of the first person that carried the surname).
Order DNA origin analysisGofourth: Where does the name Gofourth come from?
The surname Gofourth is believed to have derived from an Old English phrase, "go forth," which could have been used metaphorically to suggest an adventurous person. It may also have been an occupational or descriptive name for a messenger or emissary, from the same Old English phrase. This implies that the surname has English origins.
Today, the name is still fairly rare. According to the data from Forebears, a genealogical database site, Gofourth is most common in the United States with over 1,600 occurrences, and a high frequency in Kentucky. It's also found to a lesser degree in Canada, England, and Australia. The Global Name Public Profiler, which maps surname distribution worldwide, also confirms its highest prevalence in the United States, particularly in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. So, while the name has English roots, it has spread more widely in the United States.
Variations of the surname Gofourth
The surname Gofourth is derived from the term "Go forth," likely assigned to a person who is outgoing or adventurous. It is relatively unique, thus it has fewer variants in comparison to some other last names. However, there are a few that you might come across. These include spellings such as Goforth, Go4th, Gofourthe, GoForth, and Gofurth. These are primarily based on phonetic alternative spellings.
Variations in spelling over time and across different regions can account for these differences. Surnames were often written down as they sounded, resulting in considerable variation even within a single family line. It's possible that variations like Gofourth and Goforth could be used somewhat interchangeably by different branches of the same family, especially in eras and locations where literacy was not widespread.
Bear in mind that while these variants are possible, the surname Gofourth appears to be relatively rare and specific, primarily found in the United States. This suggests that there may not be a plethora of variant spellings or derivations. As always, genealogical research and DNA testing can provide more definitive answers about specific family origins and variations.
Famous people with the name Gofourth
- There aren't many famous people with the last name Gofourth, underscoring its rarity. However, those who do have this unique surname have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
- John Gofourth: An accomplished American broadcaster who has had a long career in the radio industry for decades. He has overseen programming for numerous radio stations throughout his impressive career.
- Leslie Gofourth: A known author who has written several popular books mostly centered around empowerment, self-care and productivity.
- Robert Gofourth: A licensed professional counselor in Denton, TX recognized for his expertise in counseling.
- Rusty Goforth: A well-known American football coach who has been part of many successful high school and college football teams. It should be noted that these people are not universally recognized celebrities but are more so people of note with this particular surname.