GOODYER
Goodyer
Origin
Goodyer is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Godgar", which translates to "good-spear". The name evolved over time to become Goodyer, indicating a lineage rooted in Medieval English society.
History
The Goodyer surname has ancient roots in England, with records tracing back to the 13th century. The name is thought to have originated in the southern regions of the country, particularly in areas where Anglo-Saxon influence was prevalent.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Goodyer have been recorded in various historical documents, including parish records, census data, and legal documents. This indicates the presence of families known by the name in different parts of England.
Distribution and Legacy
The Goodyer surname has been relatively rare compared to more common English surnames. It has been primarily concentrated in specific regions of England, with occasional migration to other parts of the country and, in more recent times, to other parts of the world.
Despite its limited prevalence, the Goodyer surname has contributed to the diverse tapestry of British surnames, reflecting the country's rich history and heritage. Today, individuals bearing the surname Goodyer can be found in different professions and walks of life, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.
Notable Individuals
- John Goodyer (1592-1664): A renowned English botanist and horticulturist, known for his contributions to the study of plants and herbs.
- Robert Goodyer (1800-1875): An influential figure in British literature, known for his contributions to poetry and literary criticism.
There are approximately 682 people named Goodyer in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,881st most common surname in Britain. Around ten in a million people in Britain are named Goodyer.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Andy
- Christopher
- Colin
- David
- Ian
- John
- Jonathon
- Mark
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Philip
- Stephen
- Timothy
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Erica
- Jane
- Janet
- Karen
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.