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![Show Contents]() Godey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Among the all the peoples of ancient Scotland, the first to use the name Godey were the Strathclyde-Britons. It was a name for someone who lived in Edinburghshire, where the family was found since the early Middle Ages. Godey is an ancient Scottish name that evolved from the Goldie, which derives from the Old English personal name Gold. Early Origins of the Godey familyThe surname Godey was first found in Edinburghshire, where the name appears from about 1598 onwards and later in the forms Gowdie, Gaudie, Goddie. "Robert Gowdie was a writer in Edinburgh, 1643 and John Gawdie was one of 'those who ere matriculat in the Companie of Merchands of Edinbergh,' 1687. William Goudie in Ayr, 1689. The surname was early carried to the north appearing in Shetland first in 1576 in the person of Gawane Gadie of Lougasettar, Dunrossness." 1 Early History of the Godey familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Godey research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1567, 1576, 1643, 1689, 1783 and 1847 are included under the topic Early Godey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Godey Spelling VariationsThe variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Godey has appeared as Goudie, Gouday, Goudey, Goudy, Gowdy, Gowdie, Gadie, Goodie, Gady and many more. Early Notables of the Godey familyAnother 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Godey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Godey family to Ireland
Some of the Godey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Godey migration to the United States | + |
As the persecution of Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. Among them:
Godey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- A. Godey, who settled in San Francisco in 1852
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: Honestas
Motto Translation: Honesty.
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
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Godey migration to the United States 
France
Scotland
Ireland
