gough

Gough may refer to several subjects, including places, a surname, and notable people who bear the name. The most prominent geographical use is Gough Island, a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean that is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The island is known for its large seabird colonies and relatively undisturbed subantarctic ecosystem. Along with nearby Inaccessible Island, Gough Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its biodiversity and ongoing natural processes.

As a surname, Gough originates in English-speaking regions and has appeared in various spellings over the centuries. It has been borne by numerous individuals across politics, science, sports, and the arts. In addition to its use as a family name, Gough can also appear as a given name or middle name, though less commonly than as a surname.

Edward Gough Whitlam, known publicly as Gough Whitlam, is one of the best-known bearers of the name in modern history. He served as the 21st Prime Minister of Australia from 1972 to 1975 and is recognized for a range of social and economic reforms during his tenure.

In general usage, Gough functions as a proper noun that can refer to either a place or a personal name, with the island being the most internationally recognized geographical reference and the surname forming the broader onomastic basis of the term.