Godekin History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Godekin is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from the baptismal name for the son of Godfrey. Baptismal names were a form of patronymic surnames, and came from either the religious or vernacular given name traditions. In this case, the patronym was adopted from the personal name of the bearers father. Early Origins of the Godekin familyThe surname Godekin was first found in Kent. One of the first records of the name was Henricus filius Godefrid who was listed in the Pipe Rolls taken during the reign of King Henry II (1154-1189.) 1 It is generally believed that he was related to William Godefridus of Normandy listed in a census there taken 1180-1198. 2 However, the Godfrey variant had many early references including Godfrey the Bearded (c.?997-1069); and his son, Godfrey IV, Duke of Lower Lorraine (died 1706), known as the Hunchback who was assassinated in Vlaardingen; Godfrey of Bouillon (c. 1060-1100), a medieval Frankish knight, one of the leaders of the First Crusade, Godfrey of Cambrai, the prior of Winchester Abbey from 1082 until his death in 1107; and Godfrey (died 1088), medieval Bishop of Chichester. "In the churchyard [of Woodford, Essex] is a splendid Corinthian column of marble, about forty feet in height, erected to the memory of the Godfrey family, which flourished many years in Kent; also a tomb with a column entirely covered with ivy, of picturesque appearance; and a remarkably fine old yew-tree." 3 Early History of the Godekin familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Godekin research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1622, 1631, 1641, 1642, 1648, 1666, 1678, 1714, 1790, 1797, 1813, 1831, 1837, 1839, 1856, 1859, 1863, 1868, 1872 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Godekin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Godekin Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Godekin has been spelled many different ways, including Godfrey, Godfry, Godfrie, Godfree, Godfery, Godkin and many more. Early Notables of the Godekin familyNotables of this surname at this time include: Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey (1622-1678), English politician, London woodmonger and Justice of the Peace, his unsolved murder was one of the most celebrated historical mysteries; Richard Godfrey... Migration of the Godekin family to IrelandSome of the Godekin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the Godekin familyThousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Godekins to arrive in North America: Andrew Godfrey who settled in Barbados in 1678; Hugh Godfrey who settled in Barbados in 1663; Edward Godfrey who settled in Maine in 1630; Richard Godfrey who settled in Virginia in 1652.
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto. Motto: Deus et libertas Motto Translation: God and liberty.
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