Show ContentsGoferen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Goferen surname was originally the Irish Gaelic Mag Shamhrain, which is derived from the word "samhra," meaning "summer." 1

Early Origins of the Goferen family

The surname Goferen was first found in County Cavan. The family claim descent through "Breannan, brother of Hugh Fionn who is No. 93 on the 'O'Rourke' pedigree." 1

Early History of the Goferen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Goferen research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1410, 1444, 1476, 1481, 1547, 1581, 1587 and 1593 are included under the topic Early Goferen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Goferen Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Goferen family name include MacGovern, Magauran, MacGoveran, MacGoverin and others.

Early Notables of the Goferen family

Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Goferen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Goferen family

Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Goferen to North America: Daniel MacGoveran, who settled in Philadelphia in 1840; Andrew, Bernard, Edward, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Peter, Terry, Thomas MacGovern all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.



  1. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)


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