Surname MacGuffog - Meaning and Origin
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MacGuffog: What does the surname MacGuffog mean?
MacGuffog is an Irish surname, likely derived from the Scottish-Gaelic Mac Gubhaig, which itself is derived from the word "gobhaig" meaning "blacksmith". The family likely originated in Scotland, but the name is more closely associated with County Donegal, and it is possible that the family has links to the O'Gormley clan of the region.
The name is not particularly common, though members of the family have been recorded in north Donegal and Antrim since the fifteenth century. Family histories sometimes list the name ‘MacGuffog' as an alternative for the surname McGoff, which is derived from the Irish 'MacGobaigh'.
The MacGuffog surname is often associated with Scottish, Irish, and Norse influences. It is likely derived from a combination of words meaning ‘smith’ and ‘son of’, making the name essentially mean ‘the son of the blacksmith’. This could imply that the family may have owned a forge or smithy, or they could have been traveling blacksmiths.
The Irish/Scottish Gaelic pronunciation of MacGuffog is usually given as ‘MacGuff-hog’, with the ‘Guff’ pronounced like a ‘Goff’ and the ‘hog’ sounding like it might rhyme with 'dog'. Whatever the origins of the name, it is now often remembered as a reminder of the region’s proud heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGuffog: Where does the name MacGuffog come from?
The last name MacGuffog is an anglicised version of the Irish patronymic, Mac Gothfaidh, which is derived from the Gaelic word for “help” or “protection”. It is thought to have been a hereditary surname among families in Ireland for several centuries.
Originally, this surname would have been found in Ulster Province, more specifically in counties Down, Derry, and Antrim. However, as of today, the last name MacGuffog is not confined to these areas. Due to the demographic shifts caused by emigration, it can now be found in a number of other countries, both in Europe and in the Americas.
In the United Kingdom, the number of people carrying the MacGuffog name is thought to be spread across the entire country with a notable concentration in Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the name continues to be used, often in its original Mac Gothfaidh spelling.
In the United States, the MacGuffog name is mainly concentrated on the east coast from Maine to Maryland. It is also found in California, Texas, and Hawaii. In Canada, the name is found in all ten provinces with the highest concentration in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Toronto also serves as home to multiple branches of the MacGuffog family.
Finally, the last name is also found in the Caribbean, particularly in Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
Overall, the surname MacGuffog is roughly associated with an Irish heritage and is found in a number of countries around the world, with its highest concentration still being in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname MacGuffog
The surname MacGuffog has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Although it is not an overly-common name, it can be found in records dating back to the 13th century in Scotland.
The most common variants of MacGuffog are MacGuffie, Marguffey, Maguftye, Maguifie, Marguefey, MacGoffe, MacGoffey, MacGouff and MacGowf. In some cases, the surname has been shortened to just "Guffog" or "Guffey".
In some records the name has been spelled McGoffy, which is believed to have first been used as an Anglicization of MacGuffog. Additionally, the surname has been recorded as McGoffog, McCuffey, McCoffey, and MacGoffage.
Other than the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, MacGuffog can also be found as part of a double-barrelled surname, either with a Scottish surname such as McFie, McGiffie, or McKief, or with an English surname such as Cutcliffe, Cliffe, or Pim.
In some cases, the name has been Americanized as MacGufey, McGofe, or McFifey. There have also been examples of the MacGuffog adopted as the middle name in a family.
In conclusion, while MacGuffog is not a particularly common surname, it has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin which have been recorded over centuries.
Famous people with the name MacGuffog
- Isabella MacGuffog: Singer-songwriter and Climate Activist
- Sarah MacGuffog: Actress, known for her roles in Star Wars and Outlander
- John MacGuffog: Multiple Award-winning British director
- Alan MacGuffog: Stockbroker and former racehorse trainer
- William MacGuffog: Writer, Poet, and Composer
- Peter MacGuffog: Retired Chief Financial Officer from London
- Elizabeth MacGuffog: English equestrian athlete
- James MacGuffog: Cinematographer and screenwriter
- Emma MacGuffog: Professional pianist and composer
- Richard MacGuffog: British Vogue photographer