Godfrey is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German elements "god" meaning "god" and "frith" meaning "peace". Thus, the name Godfrey translates to "peace of god".
The name has been popular throughout history, particularly among European nobility. One of the most notable figures with this name was Godfrey of Bouillon, a 11th-century French nobleman who was one of the leaders of the First Crusade and became the first Christian ruler of Jerusalem.
In England, Godfrey was used as a given name from an early date, appearing in records such as the Domesday Book of 1086. It continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern era, although its popularity has varied over time.
Today, Godfrey is still considered a classic and distinguished name, often associated with historical figures like Godfrey of Bouillon. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to more popular names, which makes it a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
Between 1880 and 2023, the name Godfrey has seen a total of 3229 births in the United States. The popularity of this name has varied greatly over time, with peaks and valleys in different decades.
In the late 19th century, there was a consistent but relatively low number of births with the name Godfrey, ranging from 6 to 13 per year between 1880 and 1899. The early 20th century saw a significant increase in popularity for this name, with over 50 births each year between 1912 and 1927.
The middle of the century witnessed a decline in the use of the name Godfrey, with fewer than 35 births per year from 1949 to 1965. However, there was another brief resurgence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with over 40 births each year between 1958 and 1964.
Since the 1970s, the name Godfrey has become increasingly rare, with fewer than 25 births per year on average. In recent years, there have been only a handful of births with this name annually, ranging from 5 to 13 between 2009 and 2023.
Despite its decline in popularity, the name Godfrey continues to be used occasionally, perhaps as a way to honor family history or to express a unique choice. Overall, these statistics show that while Godfrey was once a common name in the United States, it has since become quite uncommon.