Surname Godden - Meaning and Origin
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Godden: What does the surname Godden mean?
The surname Godden has multiple possible origins. It is most likely an English patronymic or locational name derived from either "Godden" or "Godwin." The Godwin spelling is a patronymic surname from the Old English personal name Godwine, composed of the elements god and wine, meaning “the friend of God”. Alternately, the surname Godden is likely derived from the Old English term godan, meaning "to go" or "to pass by".
This surname is among the earliest recorded in England, appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086. Variant spellings include Goddyn, Godthin, Gooden, Goodon, Goodne, Godden, Goodwin and Godwin.
Today, there are still many individuals with the last name of Godden dispersed throughout England, particularly in Hampshire. The surname is also common in the United States, particularly in the southern states, where it is believed the earliest recorded emigrants arrived in the 1600s.
The Godden coat of arms includes a black shield with three red roses. This is symbolic of those with the Godden last name being honest, loyal, and hardworking.
Order DNA origin analysisGodden: Where does the name Godden come from?
The surname Godden is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, especially in the southern counties of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. Within the United Kingdom, the name is most dense in the counties of Kent and Surrey with the greatest concentrations in the townships of Hythe, Chatham and Gillingham in Kent and Camberley in Surrey.
The name is also commonly found in parts of the United States and Canada, most likely as a result of emigration from the UK in the 19th and 20th centuries. Specifically, the Godden name is found in prevalence in regions that contain a high concentration of English settlers such as New England, New York, and Southern Ontario.
The surname is less common in other regions of the world, though instances of the name can be found in other British settlements, including former colonies in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Australia.
The Godden surname is believed to have originated in the parish of Godden Green, Kent in the 1200s. Early records suggest it was derived from the Old English personal name Goda combined with the Old English suffix 'denu', which meant 'valley'.
Variations of the surname Godden
The surname Godden has many different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. A few of these are listed below.
Goaden – This is the most common spelling variant of Godden and originated in England. It is of Old English origin and is believed to derive from “Godwine” which means “God friend”.
Goddin – This variant is believed to be a Scottish version of the name and is also of Old English origin.
Godden – This variant has been found in both England and Scotland and is believed to derive from “Godwine”.
Gauden – This is an English variant that is found most commonly in the north of England.
Goedde – This German variant of the name is derived from Godwin or Godden which, again, is of Old English origin.
Goddins – This is a variant of the Scottish version of the name and is found most commonly in the Highlands and Lowlands.
Goddard – This is an English version of the name and is derived from “Godhard” which means “son of God”.
Godswyn – This is an Old English variant of the name and is believed to be derived from Godwin.
Gorden – Another Scottish variant of the name is Gorden, which is also of Old English origin and derived from “Godwine”.
Godwin – This is the original Old English form of the name which is believed to have derived from “Godwine”.
Godwinssonn – This is an Old Norse variant of the name, derived from “Godwin”.
Goadwin – This is an English variant of the name and is believed to be derived from “Godwine”.
Goddall – This is a variant of the name found mostly in East Anglia in England and is derived from “Godhard”.
Gadney – This is an English variant of the name which is believed to derive from “Godwin”.
Godson – Another English variant of the name is Godson, which is believed to have derived from “Godwine”.
Famous people with the name Godden
- Rumer Godden: English author
- Jack Godden: English cricketer
- Ken Godden: Canadian actor
- Anouska Hempel (nee Godden): Member of the Order of the British Empire
- Georgina Godden: British actress
- Russell Godden: English footballer
- Stephen Godden: Australian artist
- Maddy Godden: British actor and writer
- Elspeth Godden: English actor
- Molly Godden: British actress
Other surnames
Comments or additions to the name "Godden"
29.02.2024
In South Africa it is believed two brothers with the surname Godden landed on the coast of South Africa and married woman from this origin.I don't know the full history as I am just one of many Godden's in South Africa.Would like to actually know the full history.