Goodwin is a surname of English origin that was originally an occupational name for someone who was the good friend or companion of another person, derived from the Middle English words 'good' meaning 'good', and 'wine' meaning 'friend'. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and can be found throughout England today.
The earliest known record of the surname Goodwin is from the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which documented individuals living during Edward I's reign. John Godwin was recorded as residing in Huntingdonshire at that time.
The name may also have originated as a patronymic surname, meaning that it was derived from a person's father's given name. In this case, Goodwin would mean 'son of Goodwine'.
Goodwin is not simply an English surname though, as variations of the name can be found in other countries as well. For example, Goodwin is also a popular surname in Ireland and Scotland.
Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the Goodwin surname. Some examples include Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680), a Puritan theologian who was known for his works on justification by faith; and William Ewart Goodwin (1849-1932), an Australian politician who served as the Premier of Tasmania from 1913 to 1914.
Today, Goodwin remains a popular surname in England and other English-speaking countries around the world. It is a name that carries with it a rich history and meaningful origins, making it a proud choice for those who bear it.
The name Goodwin has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, with fluctuations in popularity over the years. Between 1911 and 1934, there was an average of approximately 7 births per year, with the highest being 18 births in 1918 and the lowest being 5 births in both 1911 and 1962. The name seemed to experience a brief resurgence in popularity during the late 1960s, with 6 births recorded in 1961 and another 6 in 1962.
Interestingly, after a gap of several decades, Goodwin reappeared on birth records in the early 21st century, with 6 births registered in 2006. This could indicate a renewed interest in the name or perhaps a desire to honor family tradition among recent generations.
Over the course of this period, from 1911 to 2006, there were a total of 256 births recorded for the name Goodwin in the United States. While this is not a large number compared to more popular names, it does suggest that Goodwin has maintained a consistent, if small, presence in American naming culture over the course of nearly a century.
It's important to note that these statistics only represent a snapshot of Goodwin's usage in the U.S. and may not be indicative of its popularity or significance in other countries or cultures. Additionally, fluctuations in name popularity can be influenced by a variety of factors, including trends, personal preferences, and societal shifts over time.
Overall, the data reveals an interesting trajectory for the name Goodwin, demonstrating both stability and change in its usage patterns throughout the 20th century and into the early 21st century.