Godfrey Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Godfrey come from? What does the surname Godfrey mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Godfrey and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Godfrey Origin: What does the last name Godfrey mean?
The surname Godfrey is of English origin and is derived from the Old French name Godefroy, meaning either "God's peace" or "good peace." It was brought to England by settlers from Normandy, the Low Countries, and France. The name has historical significance, with notable figures like Godfrey of Bouillon, leader of the First Crusade, bearing this name. YourRoots data indicates that the surname Godfrey first appeared in records from France around the 11th century and later spread to the United Kingdom and the United States. Today, the Godfrey surname can be found in various countries worldwide, including France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Godfrey surname in the United Kingdom since the 11th century, with records expanding to the United States by the 17th century. The surname has maintained a strong global presence, reflecting a rich heritage of individuals with the name Godfrey across different regions and cultures. Whether in historical contexts or modern times, the surname Godfrey continues to be a significant part of genealogical records and family histories.
Godfrey Last Name History: Where did the last name Godfrey come from?
Origin of Godfrey Surname: Where does the last name Godfrey originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Godfrey first appeared in records from France around the 11th century. It's important to remember that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact "Godfrey" spelling and does not account for other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Godfrey: What does the Godfrey surname history look like in the early days?
The "Godfrey" surname remained closely associated with France in the 11th century, but by the 14th century, the frequency of records in the United Kingdom started to surpass those in France. YourRoots data also shows Godfrey family records in the United States from the 17th century onwards, indicating a broad geographical spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Godfrey surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of Godfrey surname records grew significantly in the United States, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the "Godfrey" surname can be found in various countries worldwide, with a particularly strong presence in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is also present in other countries worldwide, including but not limited to France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland.
Explore Godfrey last name heritage and Godfrey surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Godfrey Surame?
Linsey Godfrey
Linsey Godfrey is an American actress known for her roles as Caroline Spencer on The Bold and the Beautiful and Sarah Horton on Days of Our Lives. Born in Stuart, Florida, Godfrey overcame Hodgkin's lymphoma to pursue her acting career, landing guest-starring roles before joining the cast of the popular soap operas. She is also a survivor advocate, a mother, and a celebrity ambassador for the NGO INARA. Godfrey has been open about her personal struggles, including her diagnosis of bipolar 2 and borderline personality disorder. In 2021, she came out as bisexual, showcasing her commitment to raising awareness and supporting important causes.
Mary Godfrey
Mary Emmeline Godfrey (July 3, 1913 - April 30, 2007) was a trailblazing artist and educator, known for being the first full-time African-American faculty member at Penn State University. She taught art education for 22 years, focusing on elementary and secondary levels, as well as the history of art education. Her work was exhibited in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and she left a lasting impact on the field. Godfrey's dedication to promoting diversity in the arts led to the establishment of a scholarship in her honor at the College of Arts and Architecture.
Marjorie Godfrey
Marjorie Godfrey (29 Mar 1919 – 27 Oct 2003) was an Anglo-Indian educator and politician known for her contributions to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and the 5th Lok Sabha. She played a significant role in establishing The Catholic Association of Hyderabad and served as a Vice President of All India Anglo-Indian Association. Godfrey's dedication to social welfare and education advocacy earned her a respected position in Indian politics. She passed away due to cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy of public service and community impact.
Della Godfrey
Della Marjorie Godfrey (January 15, 1950 - April 23, 2019) was an Indian politician from the Anglo-Indian community. She served two terms as a nominated Anglo-Indian member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Telugu Desam Party. Born in Hyderabad, she was the daughter of an engineer and an educationalist. Godfrey was a former manager for Royal Dutch Airlines before entering politics. She made significant contributions during her time in office until her passing in 2019.
Kathy Godfrey
Kathryn Morton Godfrey (c. 1915 – February 4, 1981) was an American talk show host on radio and television, known professionally as Kathy Morton. She was the sister of entertainer Arthur Godfrey and began her broadcasting career at a young age, overcoming polio to pursue her passion for radio. Godfrey hosted various programs on different stations, including CBS Radio and ABC-TV. She co-authored a book with her sister and was known for her engaging interview style. Godfrey passed away at the age of 66 in Miami after a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy in the world of broadcasting.
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