Show ContentsMacGofferant History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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

Early Origins of the MacGofferant family

The surname MacGofferant 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 MacGofferant family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGofferant 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 MacGofferant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacGofferant Spelling Variations

A name was often recorded during the Middle Ages under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer because literacy was rare there was no real push to clearly define any of the languages found in the British Isles at that time. Variations found of the name MacGofferant include MacGovern, Magauran, MacGoveran, MacGoverin and others.

Early Notables of the MacGofferant family

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

Migration of the MacGofferant family

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name MacGofferant: 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)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook