Goodrich Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Goodrich come from? What does the surname Goodrich mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Goodrich and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Goodrich Origin: What does the last name Goodrich mean?
The surname Goodrich is of English origin, derived from the toponymic name indicating someone from Goodrich in Herefordshire. It is a modern form of the Anglo-Saxon given name Godric, composed of the Old Norse word gu‚àö‚àûini or god and the Saxon word ric, meaning ruler of god. Notable individuals bearing the Goodrich surname include Aaron Goodrich, Annie Warburton Goodrich, and Benjamin Franklin Goodrich among others. Records show that the Goodrich surname first emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically England, in the early 14th century.
YourRoots data indicates a significant presence of the Goodrich surname in the United States, with a notable increase in records from the 17th century onwards. While the surname remains common in the United Kingdom, particularly England, its prevalence has grown in the United States over the past few centuries. Today, the Goodrich surname can be found not only in the United States but also in other countries worldwide, showcasing its global spread and enduring legacy.
Goodrich Last Name History: Where did the last name Goodrich come from?
Origin of Goodrich Surname: Where does the last name Goodrich originate from?
The surname Goodrich, as per our YourRoots data, first surfaced in records originating from the United Kingdom, specifically England, in the early 14th century. Please note that this data includes only the exact spelling "Goodrich" as documented in the YourRoots database and does not encapsulate other sources or varying spellings of the surname.
History of the Last Name Goodrich: What does the Goodrich surname history look like in the early days?
The Goodrich surname was most prevalent in England from the 14th to the 15th century, according to the YourRoots data. However, by the beginning of the 17th century, the frequency of Goodrich records began to rise notably in the United States. This suggests a gradual spread of the Goodrich family name from the United Kingdom to the United States over several centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Goodrich surname today?
YourRoots data demonstrates a significant surge in the volume of Goodrich records in the United States from the 16th to the 19th century. While the surname Goodrich remains common in the United Kingdom, particularly England, its prevalence in the United States has become more pronounced over the past few centuries. Today, the surname Goodrich can commonly be found in the United States, as well as other countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom and countries in Europe, Americas, and more.
Explore Goodrich last name heritage and Goodrich surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Goodrich Surame?
Gail Goodrich
Gail Charles Goodrich Jr. (born April 23, 1943) was an American professional basketball player known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers and UCLA. He led UCLA to its first two national championships and was a key player in the Lakers' 1971–72 season, where they won a then-record 33 consecutive games and the NBA championship. Goodrich was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 for his contributions to the sport. A tenacious competitor with excellent court vision, Goodrich left a lasting legacy in both college and professional basketball.
Frances Goodrich
Frances Goodrich (December 21, 1890 – January 29, 1984) was an American actress, dramatist, and screenwriter known for her collaboration with husband Albert Hackett. Together, they won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1956 for "The Diary of Anne Frank," a powerful story that touched hearts worldwide. Goodrich's talents shone in Hollywood, where they penned successful films like "The Thin Man" and "It's a Wonderful Life." Her legacy lives on through timeless classics and the impact of her poignant storytelling.
Deborah Goodrich
Deborah Goodrich Royce (née Goodrich; May 11, 1958) is an American former actress, story editor, and author known for her roles in "Just One of the Guys" and horror films like "April Fool's Day" and "Remote Control." After acting, she became a story editor with Miramax and published her debut novel, "Finding Mrs. Ford," in 2019. Goodrich is also involved in various boards and organizations, including the New York Botanical Garden and the Greenwich Historical Society. She currently resides in Riverside, Connecticut, with her husband and two daughters.
Mario Goodrich
Mario Goodrich (January 12, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback known for his time at Clemson University and his current role with the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League (UFL). Goodrich made a name for himself in college football, winning a national championship with Clemson in 2018 and earning accolades for his defensive skills. After a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, he found a new home with the New York Giants before ultimately landing with the Birmingham Stallions. With his speed, agility, and determination, Goodrich continues to make an impact on the field as a rising star in the world of professional football.
Samuel Griswold Goodrich
Samuel Griswold Goodrich (August 19, 1793 – May 9, 1860), known as Peter Parley, was an American author famous for his educational books for young readers. He wrote over 170 volumes covering geography, biography, history, and science, selling millions of copies. Goodrich also founded Merry's Museum and published The Token, which featured early works by renowned authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was active in politics and served as a consul in Paris. Goodrich's legacy includes streets named after him in Connecticut and references in literary works by James Joyce, Emily Dickinson, and others.
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