Goodman Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Goodman come from? What does the surname Goodman mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Goodman and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Goodman Origin: What does the last name Goodman mean?
The Goodman surname is a Scottish, English, and Ashkenazi Jewish surname that was originally a polite term of address similar to Mister (Mr.). It has a rich history and is associated with notable figures such as Benny Goodman, a renowned jazz clarinetist, and Saul Goodman, a character from the popular TV series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. The YourRoots database indicates that the Goodman surname first appeared in the early 15th century in England, United Kingdom, and has since spread globally.
According to YourRoots data, the Goodman surname has seen a notable increase in family records in the United States since the 17th century, indicating a growing global presence. Today, Goodman surname records can be found in various countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Germany, and Sweden. This widespread distribution highlights the diverse origins and continued relevance of the Goodman surname across different cultures and regions.
Goodman Last Name History: Where did the last name Goodman come from?
Origin of Goodman Surname: Where does the last name Goodman originate from?
The Goodman surname first appears in the YourRoots database in the early 15th century, originating from England, United Kingdom. Please bear in mind, this data reflects the instances of the exact “Goodman” spelling within YourRoots database and does not take into account other data sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Goodman: What does the Goodman surname history look like in the early days?
The Goodman surname remained in close association with the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 15th to the 16th century, according to the YourRoots data. However, by the 17th century, a notable increase in Goodman family records can be observed in the United States, indicating the beginnings of a more global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Goodman surname today?
From the 18th century onwards, the frequency of Goodman surname records significantly increased in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom. This trend persisted through the 19th and into the 20th century. Today, the Goodman surname remains prominent in the United States, and is found in numerous countries around the world. The YourRoots database includes Goodman records from countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Germany, and Sweden, reflecting a truly global spread.
Explore Goodman last name heritage and Goodman surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME GOODMAN
Famous People With Goodman Surame?
Saul Goodman
James Morgan "Jimmy" McGill, better known as Saul Goodman, was a fictional character in the television series Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul. Portrayed by Bob Odenkirk, Saul was a self-centered lawyer involved in Albuquerque's criminal underworld. He provided guidance for drug cooks Walter White and Jesse Pinkman and became a fan-favorite comic relief character. Saul's origins as Jimmy McGill and his post-Breaking Bad life as Gene Takavic were explored in Better Call Saul. Bob Odenkirk's performance as Saul received critical acclaim, earning him multiple Emmy nominations.
Benny Goodman
Benjamin David Goodman (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American clarinetist and bandleader, known as the "King of Swing". His orchestra was incredibly successful commercially, leading one of the most popular swing big bands in the U.S. from 1936 to the mid-1940s. Goodman's iconic concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938 is considered a pivotal moment in jazz history. He also led one of the first integrated jazz groups during a time of racial segregation. Goodman's influence on jazz music and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated to this day.
Amy Goodman
Amy Goodman (April 13, 1957 - present) is an American broadcast journalist, syndicated columnist, investigative reporter, and author. She is best known as the main host of Democracy Now!, a progressive global news program broadcast on radio, television, and the Internet. Goodman has received numerous awards for her work in independent media and investigative journalism, including the Thomas Merton Award, Right Livelihood Award, and the Gandhi Peace Award. She has authored several books, including "The Silenced Majority" and "Democracy Now!: Twenty Years Covering the Movements Changing America." Goodman's impactful reporting on various social and political issues has made her a prominent figure in modern journalism.
Steve Goodman
Steven Benjamin Goodman (July 25, 1948 – September 20, 1984) was an American folk and country singer-songwriter known for iconic songs like "City of New Orleans" and "Go Cubs Go." Goodman's music was covered by artists like Arlo Guthrie, John Denver, and Willie Nelson, earning him a Grammy for Best Country Song. Despite battling leukemia, Goodman's passion for music shone through, showcasing his talent and resilience. Born in Chicago to a Jewish family, Goodman's legacy lives on in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
Len Goodman
Leonard Gordon Goodman (25 Apr 1944 – 22 Apr 2023) was a renowned English ballroom dancer, dance teacher, and judge on popular TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars. Starting his career as a welder, Goodman found his true passion in dance and went on to win numerous championships. Known for his sharp critiques and love for traditional ballroom styles, he became a household name in the dance world. Goodman's legacy lives on through the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars, honoring his contributions to the dance community.
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