Surname Guffee - Meaning and Origin

Guffee: What does the surname Guffee mean?

The last name Guffee is a surname of French origin, likely derived from the French phrase "gouffer," which translates from French to English as "to scoff" or "to jeer."

Guffee could have been used as an expression of mock surprise when an individual was surprised at something someone else had said; it may also have been used as a term of derision when something or someone was held in contempt. Alternatively, it may have referred to someone who was often very talkative, an enthusiasm expressed by a loud "guff" or playfully derisive chuckle.

Guffee is an uncommon name in the United States, but there are those with the name in Louisiana, where French heritage is strong. It is less common in other parts of the world and is thought to have originated in France prior to the 18th century.

Guffee is a unique surname that may be associated with humor, joy, sarcasm, and taunting. The origin of the name is perhaps an indication of the playful nature of the people who carried it; they might have enjoyed joking, jeering, and goading others. Additionally, the name may be associated with someone who was fond of talking, someone who may have had a lot to say - representing either enthusiastic joy or sharp wit.

Guffee: Where does the name Guffee come from?

The surname Guffee is found all over the United States today, with large populations of people carrying the name in California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, New York, and Ohio.

The most prominent use of the surname is in the Southern United States, mainly in Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, and Arkansas. The name is also seen in other parts of the Southeast United States, and various spread out pockets of the country.

The family has Scottish and Irish origins, and became more well-known after the Civil War, when many Guffees from the South relocated in the late 1800s. Today, Guffee's are scattered throughout the United States, though more concentrated in certain states.

In the early 1900s, there were a lot of prominent Guffees in the South, including wealthy plantation owners and politicians. Though most of these are gone today, the surname still has a lot of respect in the Southern states. It is not necessarily a common name, but the Guffee family is still considered prominent in many areas.

Since Guffee families traditionally tended to remain within the same region, after many generations the majority of those carrying the name can still trace their roots back to the same ancestral lineage. This makes the name more special, and often explains why it is held in high regard in the southern United States.

Variations of the surname Guffee

Guffee is a surname of English and Irish origin. Variations and alternate spellings of this surname include Guffy, Guffye, Guffey, Guffie, Guffey, Guffy, Guffie, Guff, and Gaffey. It is also based in Scotland, where the spelling of Guffy is more common.

In England, the surname is most prevalent in Devon and Cornwall, where it was first introduced by Norse-Viking traders in the 10th century AD. It is also found in other parts of the country.

In Ireland, the name originated in the 12th century with the Norman invaders. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic personal name “Goffraidh.” Variations and alternate spellings of this surname in Ireland include Gailife, Gailiffe, Galiffe, and Gaffy.

In Scotland, the name was likely introduced through the migration of Anglo-Normans during the 17th and 18th centuries. Variations and alternate spellings of this surname in Scotland include Geffey, Geffie, Giffey, Giffe, and Giffey.

The Guffee surname is also found in the United States, where it was likely introduced by immigrants from England, Ireland, and Scotland. Variations and alternate spellings of this surname in the United States include Gaff, Gaffe, Gaffey, Gaffie, Gaffney, and Goff.

Famous people with the name Guffee

• Mark Guffee: an American professional basketball player who made his professional debut in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons in 1995 and has played in various international leagues since.
• Justy Guffee: a co-founder of the American company Zipfizz Corporation who has been an influential figure in the health and fitness industry.
• Juliette Guffee: an American model who has worked for various brands and magazines such as Vogue, Elle and Harpers Bazaar.
• Katlyn Guffee: an American actress who has appeared in various TV shows, films and theatres producing quality performances.
• Patrick Guffee: an American producer and actor who has worked both behind and in front of the camera, having been a part of several notable Hollywood films.
• Betsy Guffee: a writer, educator and advocate for various issues such as Equality in Education and Social Justice. She has written books and regularly participates in campaigns for social change.
• Bianca Guffee: an American advocate, academic and journalist. She has given talks around the world on various issues as well as written for national newspapers in the US.
• Jett Guffee: a professional American snowboarder who has achieved medals in various championships, such as the Winter Olympic Games and X games.
• Dr. David S. Guffee: an American physician, professor and author, specialising in family medicine and infectious diseases. He has published several educational articles and written several books in the field of medicine.
• Ernestine Guffee: an American educator, actress, and film writer and director, who has written and directed several independent films and been an educator for several schools.

Other surnames

Guffey