Gough is a name of Welsh roots that became well established among the families of Ireland.
Where does the Gough name come from?
Gough comes from the Welsh word coch, meaning “red” — a descriptive nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It came to Ireland with families of Welsh and English descent, often through the medieval Norman settlement, in which Welshmen took part.
Gough in Ireland
The name became established particularly in the south and in Dublin, where Gough families were known among the merchants and gentry. As a settled name, Gough is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- Gough comes from the Welsh word coch, meaning “red.”
- It was a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
- It came to Ireland with Welsh and English families.
- The name became established in the south and in Dublin.
- It survives today in Ireland and across the diaspora.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Gore, Grattan, and Barry.
Carry the Gough name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Gough collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gough an Irish surname?
Gough is of Welsh origin and became a settled name in Ireland, especially in the south and in Dublin.
What does Gough mean?
It comes from the Welsh coch, meaning “red” — a nickname for red hair or a ruddy complexion.
Is there a Gough family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Gough products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
