Goodwin

“good friend or good fortune”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1671US 2023

529Births / yr

→Stable

256All-time births

📅 Since 191100

How to pronounce Goodwin

GUHDW·in

/ˈɡʊdw.ɪn/ · stress on GUHDW · 2 syllables

“good friend or good fortune”

English origin · Boy name

What does Goodwin mean and where does it come from?

Goodwin is of English origin and translates to 'good friend' or 'good fortune'. The name heralds from Old English roots: 'god' meaning good and 'wine' meaning friend. Goodwin has been used since the Middle Ages, although it is often more recognized as a surname than a first name. Emphasis on friends

Cultural significance

Goodwin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of good friend or good fortune.

Peak popularity

Reached #1878 in 1917 — currently #1671 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Goodwin?

Goodwin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Goodwin Grace

How popular is Goodwin right now?

Holding steady — currently #1671 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1671 · Top 1.2%

1915

1920

1925

1930

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1671	529	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1676	509	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021	#1681	479	▲ up 1709 · +6743% births
1930	#3390	7	▼ down 1119 · -50% births
1925	#2271	14	▲ up 258 · +17% births
1920	#2529	12	▲ up 1012 · +100% births
1915	#3541	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Goodwin

Best Year2023Rank #1671

Peak Count529

Average Rank#2394

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20237 years

The story of Goodwin

Goodwin entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. With 256 total births recorded, Goodwin remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3541 in 1915 to #1671 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Goodwin in 1917:

John William James Robert Joseph

Goodwin by decade

Goodwin peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	91
1920s ★	109
1930s	26
1940s	6
1950s	6
1960s	12
2000s	6

💎Goodwin has only 256 total recorded births since 1911 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Goodwin?

Common

GooGoieGoyOdwin

What names sound and feel like Goodwin?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Goodwin also consider these

Goodkin

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Godwin

English · God's friend

Goodin

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Goldwin

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Goodman

English · man of virtue

Goswin

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Blodwin

International · A International name

Dorwin

English · English

Common questions about the name Goodwin

What does the name Goodwin mean?

Goodwin means "good friend or good fortune" — a name rooted in English 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 Goodwin?

Goodwin is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Goodwin?

Goodwin originates from English tradition. English 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 Goodwin?

Goodwin is a two-syllable name pronounced G UH1 D W IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Goodwin a common or rare name?

Goodwin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.