GOODWILL
Goodwill
Goodwill is a surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English name "Godehild," meaning "God's graciousness." The surname Goodwill is found mostly in the United Kingdom, particularly in England.
Origins and Distribution
The Goodwill surname is believed to have originated as a nickname or personal name representing qualities such as kindness, generosity, and grace. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
Historical records show that the Goodwill surname is most commonly found in areas of England, particularly in the southern regions. The distribution of the surname across different counties reflects the movement and settlement of families over centuries.
Notable Individuals
Thomas Goodwill (1798–1865)
- A renowned philanthropist in Victorian England, Thomas Goodwill devoted his life to improving the living conditions of the less fortunate. He founded several charitable institutions aimed at providing welfare and education to impoverished communities.
Elizabeth Goodwill (1921–2003)
- Elizabeth Goodwill was a pioneering archaeologist who made significant discoveries in prehistoric sites across Britain. Her research and excavations shed light on the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.
Contemporary Significance
In modern times, the Goodwill surname continues to be passed down through families, maintaining a sense of lineage and heritage. Many individuals with the surname Goodwill are actively engaged in various professions and contribute to the cultural and social fabric of society.
Overall, the surname Goodwill carries a legacy of benevolence and grace, embodying values that have transcended generations and left a lasting impact on British history and society.
There are approximately 854 people named Goodwill in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,359th most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Goodwill.
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
- Christopher
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Anne-marie
- Beverley
- Caroline
- Christine
- Claire
- Dina
- Elizabeth
- Heather
- Helen
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Goodall
- Goodell
- Goodill
- Goodhill
- Goodwille
- Caddwell
- Cadwell
- Cadwill
- Caidwell
- Cattewell
- Catwell
- Caudwell
- Cawdwell
- Coadwell
- Coatwell
- Codwell
- Cottewell
- Cottwell
- Cotwal
- Cotwell
- Gadawala
- Gadwell
- Ghodawala
- Ghodiwala
- Godwell
- Gooddall
- Goodwain
- Goodwell
- Goodwillie
- Kadiwal
- Kadwell
- Kadwill
- Katwal
- Katwala
- Kedwell
- Keedwell
- Kettewell
- Ketwell
- Kidiwala
- Kidwell
- Kidwill
- Kitwell
- Kotwal
- Quettawala
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.