goff

Goff is a surname of English origin that also appears in historical given-name forms. The name is commonly thought to derive from the medieval given names Geoffrey (Geoffroi, Geoffry) or Godfrey, through Old French Geoffroi, with English spelling variants evolving into Goff and related forms. In some cases, Goff may have arisen as a reduced or nickname form of longer surnames such as Gough, though Gough is typically treated as a distinct name with its own lineage. In medieval England, records show the use of Goff in various counties, reflecting regional spellings and differing literacy levels that produced multiple variants.

Today, Goff is found in English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, among others. It is usually transmitted patrilineally, though spellings may vary with immigration, recording practices, and personal preference. In addition to its use as a surname, Goff can appear as a place-name element or as part of family names that have been anglicized or adapted over time.

The surname has spread through migration and marriage patterns, contributing to a broad distribution without a single defining lineage. As with many surnames of medieval origin, modern bearers of the name Goff may have diverse ancestral backgrounds, and the spelling has continued to evolve in different regions.

See also: Gough, Goffe, Goff (disambiguation).