Surname Goody - Meaning and Origin
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Goody: What does the surname Goody mean?
The last name Goody is believed to have multiple origins. It is primarily an English patronymic surname, derived from the given name Goode. It may also be an Americanized spelling of the German word "Gut," which translates to "good." In some instances, "Goody" could be an occupational name derived from the Old English word "Godi," which referred to a judge or magistrate.
During the Middle Ages, people often took a surname related to their profession or status. Therefore, someone with the last name “Goody” could have been regarded as a pious member of the community or a respected spiritual leader. It is possible that the name was derived from a nickname or personal descriptors that indicated moral behavior.
The name Goody is fairly common, especially throughout countries in the United Kingdom as well as the United States. Records show that it has appeared in England since at least the early 1800s and it is still used in some parts of the world today.
Overall, the name Goody is a testament to individuals who have either lived a virtuous life or who have held a respected position of leadership within their community. It is believed to represent a noble heritage, with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages.
Order DNA origin analysisGoody: Where does the name Goody come from?
The last name Goody is most common today in the British Isles and the US.
In the United Kingdom, Goody is particularly common in East Anglia, specifically Norfolk and Suffolk, and is one of the few surnames that has been traced to this region since the Middle Ages. In the US, Goody is found across the country, though it is particularly common in the West, Midwest, and South.
The earliest recorded use of the name Goody was in the 12th century, when the first of the Goody family made their home in Norfolk. Over the centuries the name spread to other parts of the UK, and to North America.
The surname Goody can be traced to the Anglo-Saxon words goda and godu, meaning “wealth”. This suggests that the family’s name and status were connected to their wealth, possibly through a successful trade.
Today, the Goody surname remains common in the UK and the US. It is particularly found in the East Anglia region, as well as in the West, Midwest, and South in the US. Many who share the name trace their lineage to the earliest documented use of the name in the 12th century.
Variations of the surname Goody
The surname Goody is an English and Irish patronymic surname meaning "the son of goody," derived from the old English word "god," meaning good. There are numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
Variants include Goodey, Goodie, Goodey, Goodie, and Gooddey. An alternate spelling is Goddard.
Surnames of the same origin include Goad, Goda, Godair, Goddard, Godbee, Godbold, Godbolt, Godbottle, Good, Goodacre, Goodall, Goodburlet, Goodburlett, Goodby, Goodchild, Goodday, Goode, Goodeau, Goodfellow, Goodhouse, Goodell, Goodhue, Goodin, Gooding, Goodit, Goodkin, Goodlake, Goodlet, Goodloe, Goodluck, Goodner, Goodness, Goodnow, Goodrowe, Goodrum, Goodship, Goodson, Goodspeed, Goodvin, Goodwinn, Goodwine, Goodwyn, and Goodyar.
Goody is also an old Norse and Low German surname having different origins, such as "Gudmar," which means good courage, and "Gudrun," which means good wisdom.
In short, the surname Goody has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, making it a powerful surname with a deep and varied history.
Famous people with the name Goody
- Maureen Margaret Goody (1943-2017), British author, consultant, trainer, coach and speaker
- Terry Goody (1948-2017), British actor
- John Goody (1949-2018), Australian musician and entertainer
- Matt Goody (born 1975), Canadian ice-hockey player
- Brian Goody (born 1937), British motorcycle racer
- Robert Goody (born 1947), British soldier and army officer
- Will Goody (born 1973), British producer, songwriter, recording artist, and music engineer
- Mark Goody (born 1960), British Producer and Film Music Supervisor
- Paul Goody (born 1951), British actor
- Nick Goody (born 1990), American baseball player
- Pam Goody (1930–2003), Canadian artist and curator
- Mark Goody (1928–2015), British author
- Tom Goody (born 1971), American film producer
- Richard Goody (born 1947), British physicist
- Mark Goody (born 1965), English artist
- Brian Goody (born 1949), British cartographer
- Mike Goody (born 1970), American artist and musician
- Charles Goody (1925–1987), British professor of Social Anthropology
- Mel Goody (1914–1974), British diplomat
- Pat Goody (born 1954), American baseball player