MOFFAT
Moffat
Origin and Meaning
Moffat is a Scottish surname that has its roots in the town of Moffat in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic elements "magh" meaning "plain" and "fada" meaning "long". This suggests that those who bore the surname were likely originally from or associated with a long plain.
Historical Significance
The Moffat surname has been present in Scotland for centuries, with records indicating that the name was established in the region as far back as the 12th century. The Moffat family has been associated with various notable figures throughout history, including prominent landowners, businessmen, and scholars.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Moffat is relatively common in Scotland and has also spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond due to migration and diaspora. Today, individuals bearing the Moffat surname can be found in various countries, particularly in former British colonies such as Canada, Australia, and the United States.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the Moffat surname exist, including Maffett, Maffot, and Moffet. These variations may have arisen due to regional accents, dialects, or transcription errors over time.
Famous Individuals
Several notable individuals have borne the Moffat surname, contributing to various fields such as politics, literature, and the arts. Notable figures include:
- Dinah Craik (née Dinah Maria Mulock Moffat): A Victorian novelist and poet known for works such as "John Halifax, Gentleman".
- James Moffat: A respected Scottish biblical scholar who produced the popular Moffat Bible translation.
- John Moffat: An acclaimed naval pilot during World War II, known for his role in the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck.
Coat of Arms
The Moffat family has a distinct coat of arms that symbolises their heritage and status. The heraldic shield typically features symbols such as lions, stars, and other heraldic elements that reflect the family's history and values.
In summary, the Moffat surname holds a rich history and is associated with notable individuals and families who have made significant contributions to various fields. This Scottish surname continues to endure, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Moffat family and its heritage.
There are approximately 8,688 people named Moffat in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,090th most common surname in Britain. Around 133 in a million people in Britain are named Moffat.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Janet
- Jean
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Moffatt
- Moffa
- Mofat
- Mofatt
- Maffat
- Maffet
- Maffett
- Maffit
- Maffitt
- Maffott
- Maftei
- Mahfood
- Mahfoud
- Mavitta
- Meffet
- Mevada
- Mofa
- Moffet
- Moffett
- Mofffat
- Moffit
- Moffitt
- Moffoot
- Moffot
- Moffott
- Mofidi
- Moufid
- Moufti
- Movat
- Movatt
- Movet
- Moviett
- Muffat
- Muffatt
- Muffet
- Muffett
- Muffit
- Muffitt
- Mufid
- Mufta
- Mufti
- Mvittie
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.