Show ContentsGookin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Gookin surname appeared in Gaelic as Mag Uiginn, which is probably derived from a Norse forename. The name is usually pronounced as "McGwiggen" in it's homeland County Tyrone (especially around Omagh).

Early Origins of the Gookin family

The surname Gookin was first found in County Tyrone (Irish:Tír Eoghain), the ancient territory of the O'Neills, now in the Province of Ulster, central Northern Ireland, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Gookin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gookin research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1616, 1659 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Gookin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gookin Spelling Variations

Before widespread literacy came to Ireland, a name was often recorded under several different variations during the life of its bearer. Accordingly, numerous spelling variations were revealed in the search for the origin of the name Gookin family name. Variations found include MacGuigan, MacGoogan, MacGougan,MacGookin, MacGuckin, MacGugan, MacQuiggan, MacWiggin, MacGucken, MacGuckian, MacGuiggan, MacGuighan and many more.

Early Notables of the Gookin family

More information is included under the topic Early Gookin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Gookin migration to the United States +

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name Gookin:

Gookin Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Major-General Daniel Gookin (1612–1687), an American settler of Virginia and Massachusetts from County Cork in the late 1620s, and a writer on the subject of American Indians
Gookin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Charles Gookin, aged 41, who arrived in America, in 1894
  • Mrs. Gookin, aged 23, who arrived in America, in 1894
Gookin Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Nathalia Gookin, who arrived in America, in 1904
  • Sarah T. Gookin, who arrived in America, in 1904
  • F.W. Gookin, who arrived in America, in 1904
  • W.F. Gookin, aged 26, who arrived in America, in 1907

Contemporary Notables of the name Gookin (post 1700) +

  • Dan Gookin, American author of the first "...For Dummies" books including DOS for Dummies and PCs for Dummies
  • Daniel Gookin (d. 1743), American politician, the 1st Sheriff of Worcester County, Massachusetts (1731-1743)


The Gookin Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Semper patriae servire presto
Motto Translation: Always ready to serve my country


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