What does Godfrey mean and where does it come from?
Godfrey originates from the Old High German name 'Godefrid,' with 'goda' meaning 'God' and 'frid' meaning 'peace.' It was common among medieval nobility and has a rich history associated with various historical figures. Famous bearers include Godfrey of Bouillon, a leader in the First Crusade. The n
Cultural significance
Godfrey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god's peace.
Peak popularity
Reached #575 in 1888 — currently #7850 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Godfrey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Godfrey?
Godfrey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Godfrey Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Godfrey John
One syllable · timeless choice
Godfrey Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Godfrey Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Godfrey Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Godfrey Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Godfrey right now?
Rising fast — up 2393 spots — currently #7850 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7850 | 10 | ▲ up 2393 · +43% births |
| 2024 | #10243 | 7 | ▼ down 1773 · -22% births |
| 2023 | #8470 | 9 | ▼ down 516 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #7954 | 10 | ▼ down 1506 · -23% births |
| 2021 | #6448 | 13 | ▲ up 119 · +8% births |
| 2020 | #6567 | 12 | ▲ up 4075 · +100% births |
| 2015 | #10642 | 6 | ▼ down 3556 · -45% births |
| 2010 | #7086 | 11 | ▼ down 862 · -8% births |
| 2005 | #6224 | 12 | ▲ up 1203 · +50% births |
| 2000 | #7427 | 8 | ▼ down 3992 · -58% births |
| 1995 | #3435 | 19 | ▼ down 652 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #2783 | 23 | ▼ down 484 |
| 1985 | #2299 | 23 | ▼ down 14 · +5% births |
| 1980 | #2285 | 22 | ▼ down 143 · +5% births |
| 1975 | #2142 | 21 | — |
The story of Godfrey
Godfrey has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,196 total births recorded, Godfrey remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #659 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8470 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Godfrey in 1888:
Godfrey by decade
Godfrey peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 84 | |
| 1890s | 79 | |
| 1900s | 85 | |
| 1910s | 395 | |
| 1920s ★ | 468 | |
| 1930s | 299 | |
| 1940s | 369 | |
| 1950s | 373 | |
| 1960s | 269 | |
| 1970s | 209 | |
| 1980s | 195 | |
| 1990s | 166 | |
| 2000s | 86 | |
| 2010s | 107 | |
| 2020s | 29 | |
💎With 3,196 total births, Godfrey is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Godfrey?
What names sound and feel like Godfrey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Godfrey also consider these
How is Godfrey written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Godfrey
What does the name Godfrey mean?
Godfrey means "God's peace" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Godfrey?
Godfrey is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Godfrey?
Godfrey originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Godfrey?
Godfrey is a two-syllable name pronounced GAH-dfree. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Godfrey a common or rare name?
Godfrey is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.