In Scandinavia, and parts of Germany, a goi (Gothi) was a usually a priest or pagan religious figure. Goi could also refer to a chieftan or local leader figure. During the commonwealth of Iceland a Hofgoi was specifically a priest of a temple, who was often wealthier than most.

As Christianity ineveitably swept over Iceland, the term goi would simply mean chieftan. It was their responsibility to come together and decide laws and legislation. This shift in meaning would eventually decrease the number of chieftans in the divided island nation.