Show ContentsGoodlaw History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Goodlaw

What does the name Goodlaw mean?

The Goodlaw name comes from the Middle English words "gode," meaning "good," and "ladde," or "lad," meaning "a servant;" as such, it was likely originally a nickname for a trusted servant, which was later taken on as a surname.

Early Origins of the Goodlaw family

The surname Goodlaw was first found in Yorkshire where in 1301 the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire list Robert Godelad as holding lands at that time. Years later, William Goodlad was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Cumberland in 1332. William Goodland was listed in Yorkshire in 1464. 1

Early History of the Goodlaw family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Goodlaw research. Another 202 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1437, 1491, 1510, 1576, 1600, 1620, 1639 and 1645 are included under the topic Early Goodlaw History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Goodlaw Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Goodlet, Goddlett, Goodley, Goodly, Goodlad, Goodlat, Goodlatt, Goodlatte, Goodlegh, Gudlad, Goodleigh, Goodlaw, Guidlaw, Guidlad and many more.

Early Notables of the Goodlaw family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Goodlaw Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Goodlaw family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Goodley settled in Virginia in 1773; Peter, Andrew and Robert Goodlad settled in Virginia in 1664.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook