Show ContentsGudman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Gudman

What does the name Gudman mean?

The origins of the name Gudman are with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from from the baptismal name for the son of Godmund. 1

Adam Goddam or Woodham (d. 1358) was a Franciscan, "born towards the end of the thirteenth century, and attended Ockham's lectures on the ‘Sentences’ of Peter Lombard at Oxford, where he was presumably a member of the Franciscan convent. His studies under Ockham must have ended in the first years of the fourteenth century, when his master went to Paris." 2

Early Origins of the Gudman family

The surname Gudman was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 listed Godman(nus), Godeman(us). 3 Some of the first entries for the name appeared as appeared as a forename as in Godeman de Waledena in the Pipe Rolls for Hertfordshire in 1176; and Godman de Offenchurche in the Assize Rolls for Warwickshire in 1221.

Astcelinus Godeman was listed at Winton, Hampshire in 1115 and Nicholas Godman was listed in Suffolk in 1188. Henry le Godman was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls for Cheshire in 1275 and Gerard Gudman was listed as holding lands in Yorkshire in 1352. 4

Early History of the Gudman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gudman research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1520, 1528, 1529, 1560, 1582, 1583, 1601, 1603, 1649, 1651, 1656, 1699 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Gudman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gudman 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. Gudman has been spelled many different ways, including Goodman, Goodmann and others.

Early Notables of the Gudman family

Distinguished members of the family include Gabriel Goodman (1528-1601), Dean of Westminster in 1601, born at Ruthin, Denbighshire, about 1529, was second son of Edward Goodman (d. 1560), merchant and burgess of Ruthin. Godfrey Goodman (c.1583-1656), Anglican Bishop of Gloucester, born at Ruthin, Denbighshire, 28 Feb. 1582-1583, was second son of Godfrey Goodman. Cardell Goodman (Cardonell) (1649?-1699), was an English actor of the King's Company at Drury Lane...
Another 67 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gudman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gudman family to Ireland

Some of the Gudman family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 72 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gudman family

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 Gudmans to arrive in North America: Robart Goodman, who came to Virginia in 1619; John Goodman who sailed on the "Mayflower" and arrived in 1620 at Plymouth, Massachusetts; Richard Goodman, who settled in Cambridge in 1632 and was later Constable of Hartford Conn..



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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