Goch History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Goch is derived from the Welsh word "coch," which means "red." Goch was originally a nickname for a ruddy or red-complexioned person, which later became a hereditary surname. 1 Iolo Goch or the Red (fl. 1328-1405), a Welsh bard, whose real name is said to be Edward Llwyd, was Lord of Llechryd and resided at Coed Pantwn in Denbighshire. 2 Early Origins of the Goch familyThe surname Goch was first found in Radnorshire (Welsh: Sir Faesyfed), a former historic county of mid-Wales, anciently part of the kingdom of Powys. However, while the name is a well known Welsh name, we must look to England to find some of the first records in early rolls. Robert Gogh was listed in the Assize Rolls of Cheshire in 1287 and later in the Subsidy Rolls for Somerset. 3 Again in Somerset, Robert Gogh was listed in the rolls there, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 4 It was not until 1576, that we find Thomas Goughe listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Wales. 3 Early History of the Goch familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Goch research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1428, 1467, 1528, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1570, 1591, 1605, 1608, 1610, 1612, 1614, 1623, 1624, 1629, 1642, 1652, 1660, 1661, 1679, 1681 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Goch History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Goch Spelling VariationsCompared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. Recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Goch name over the years has been spelled Gough, Goff, Gof, Goffe and others. Early Notables of the Goch familyProminent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Sir Matthew Gough knighted in the French wars.John Gough, Gowghe, Gowgh, Gouge (fl. 1528-1556), was an early English printer, stationer, and translator, first lived in Cheapside [London], "next to Paul's Gate, possibly in the house of John Rastell; he afterwards moved into Lombard Street, using the sign of the mermaid in both places. " 2John Gough (fl. 1570), was an English divine, "who seems not to have been of any university, was ordained deacon by Grindal, bishop of London, 14 Jan. 1559-1560. " 2Thomas Goffe (1591-1629) was a Jacobean dramatist born... Migration of the Goch family to IrelandSome of the Goch family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Goch: Goch Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
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