Goodenough

Goodenough is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "god" meaning good, and "genoh" meaning enough. Variants of the surname include Goodenow, Goodenow, Godanow, and Goodenough.

History and Origins

The Goodenough surname has ancient roots in the English counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire, dating back to the early medieval period. It is believed to have been an occupational name for someone who was considered good enough at their profession, or a nickname for a trustworthy or competent person.

Notable Individuals

1. Admiral Sir William Goodenough (1867–1945): A distinguished British Royal Navy officer who served during World War I and later as Admiral of the Fleet.

2. Roger Goodenough (1921–2017): a renowned British artist known for his landscape paintings and contribution to contemporary art.

Distribution

Today, the Goodenough surname is most commonly found in southern England, particularly in the counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Sussex. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Heraldic Arms

The Goodenough family crest features a shield with symbols representing strength, protection, and honour. The crest may vary depending on the specific branch of the family.

Overall, the Goodenough surname carries a rich heritage and is associated with qualities of goodness and sufficiency. It remains a distinctive and notable surname within British genealogy and history.

There are approximately 1,793 people named Goodenough in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,614th most common surname in Britain. Around 28 in a million people in Britain are named Goodenough.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Nigel
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Simon

Female

  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Claire
  • Jane
  • Lisa
  • Louise
  • Lynn
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.