Godwin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 


The name Godwin is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from the baptismal name Godwin, which comes from the Old English name "Go-dwine," composed of the elements "go-d," meaning "good," and "wine," meaning "friend," collectively meaning "God friend." 1 2

Early Origins of the Godwin family

The surname Godwin was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very early times. Godwin or Godwine (d. 1053) was the Earl of Wessex, chief adviser to King Canute, who held great wealth and lands in those times. His son Harold Godwinson (circa 1022-1066) was Harold II of England, the last Anglo-Saxon King of England, killed on October 14 1066 at the Battle of Hastings. Godwin, or Godwine was also the name of an 11th century Bishop of Lichfield, who died in 1020. 3

Early rolls show the many spellings used throughout ancient Britain beginning with the Domesday Book of 1086 where we find Ailmar filius Goduini. 4 Years later in Yorkshire, we found Ricardus filius Godwini in the Assize Rolls of 1219. In Norfolk, the Pipe Rolls of 1177 list Walter Godwin as holding lands there at that time. In Cambridgeshire, the Feet of Fines for 1327 list Robert Gudwen and in the same year, William Goudwyne was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex. In Worcestershire, William Godewynes was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327 and back in Yorkshire, we found John Gudwyn listed as a Freeman of York in 1388. 2

Early History of the Godwin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Godwin research. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1177, 1219, 1273, 1296, 1327, 1500, 1517, 1562, 1590, 1594, 1597, 1600, 1603, 1605, 1633, 1641, 1654, 1655, 1659, 1660, 1662, 1665, 1670, 1674, 1677, 1680, 1695, 1719, 1730 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Godwin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Godwin Spelling Variations

The 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. Godwin has been spelled many different ways, including Godwin, Goodwin, Goodin, Gooding, Goodings, Goodwyn, Godwyn, Godwine, Goodwine, Goddwin, Goddwyn, Goddywne and many more.

Early Notables of the Godwin family

Distinguished members of the family include

Godwin Ranking

In the United States, the name Godwin is the 1,376th most popular surname with an estimated 22,383 people with that name. 5

Migration of the Godwin family to Ireland

Some of the Godwin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 84 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Godwin migration to the United States +

Thousands 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 Godwins to arrive in North America:

Godwin Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Godwin Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Godwin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Godwin migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Godwin Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Godwin migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Godwin Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Godwin (post 1700) +


The Godwin Motto +

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: Fide et virtute
Motto Translation: By fidelity and valour.


Suggested Readings for the name Godwin +
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