GOODARD
Goodard
Origin and Meaning: Goodard is an English surname with variations such as Goddard and Godward. It is derived from the given name "Godard," which combines the Old English elements god, meaning good, and heard, meaning hardy or brave. Therefore, the surname Goodard can be interpreted as "brave and good."
Historical Significance: The Goodard surname has ancient roots in Britain, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. The name was borne by various notable individuals throughout history, including landowners, military figures, and scholars. Some Goodard families became prominent in specific regions of England, contributing to local communities and institutions.
Distribution and Popularity: The Goodard surname is relatively rare compared to more common English surnames. It is primarily found in specific regions of England, with concentrations in historical counties such as Hampshire, Sussex, and Wiltshire. Over time, migration and urbanisation have led to dispersal of Goodard families to other parts of the UK and beyond.
Variants and Derivatives: Variants of the Goodard surname include Goddard, Godward, and Goodheart. These variations may have originated from regional dialects, historical record-keeping practices, or personal preference. Despite the different spellings, these variants are often considered interchangeable and stem from the same linguistic root.
Famous Individuals: Notable individuals with the Goodard surname have made their mark in various fields, such as literature, the arts, and science. One such example is the renowned British engineer and inventor, Thomas Goddard. His contributions to industrial innovation in the 19th century revolutionised transportation and manufacturing processes, earning him a lasting legacy in engineering history.
Modern-Day Presence: While the Goodard surname may not be as prevalent as other English surnames, individuals bearing this name continue to be part of diverse communities worldwide. In contemporary society, Goodard descendants engage in a wide range of professions and pursuits, maintaining connections to their ancestral heritage while embracing the opportunities of the present day.
Overall, the Goodard surname represents a rich tapestry of English history and heritage, reflecting the enduring influence of ancestral traditions and the adaptability of family names across generations.
There are approximately 129 people named Goodard in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Goodard.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- George
- James
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Deirdre
- Isabella
- Janet
- Karen
- Lisa
- Lorraine
- Lynette
- Margaret
- Marie
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Shirley
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Godard
- Goddard
- Goodar
- Goodare
- Goodair
- Goodaire
- Cadart
- Cadoret
- Cadorette
- Coddard
- Cotard
- Cottard
- Cottart
- Coudert
- Coudret
- Coudriet
- Cuadrado
- Gadard
- Gaddard
- Gataurda
- Gatrad
- Gautrot
- Ghodrat
- Ghodrati
- Godart
- Goddards
- Goddart
- Godddard
- Godderd
- Gooda
- Goodarce
- Goodary
- Gooddard
- Goodday
- Goodder
- Goodear
- Goodearl
- Goodeer
- Gooder
- Gooderd
- Goodere
- Goodered
- Gooders
- Goodhard
- Goodhardt
- Goodiar
- Goodier
- Goodir
- Goodire
- Goodread
- Goodred
- Goodredge
- Goodreds
- Goodreid
- Goodrid
- Goodride
- Goodroid
- Goodur
- Goodward
- Goodyer
- Gottard
- Gottardi
- Gottardo
- Goudard
- Gouedard
- Goutard
- Guddard
- Guitard
- Guitart
- Guittard
- Gutteride
- Keddart
- Keetarut
- Kudrati
- Kuitert
- Quadrat
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.