Fun Facts About the Name Godson
- 122 babies named Godson: U.S. records list 122 babies given the name Godson from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Godson Mean?
Godson is an English name meaning "male godchild" - a boy for whom someone acts as a baptismal sponsor. It comes from Old English godsunu, formed from god and sunu ("son"). In these compounds the god- element marks a spiritual relationship rather than a biological one, as it does in godfather and godmother.
Because the first element looks and sounds exactly like the word "God," many Christian families who give Godson as a first name read it as "son of God." That is a later devotional interpretation; the older, literal sense is godchild.
Godson Name History & Origins
Old English had godsunu beside godfæder and godmōdor for the adults who stood as sponsors at a child's baptism. The same god- prefix produced godsibb, an Old English word for a sponsor that eventually became the modern English "gossip." Middle English kept godson with its modern spelling and meaning, and the word has remained an ordinary noun ever since.
As a personal name, Godson belongs to modern Christian naming rather than to the older stock of English given names. The noun has also long served as an English surname, and the given name sometimes coincides with that surname. In English-speaking West Africa, especially Nigeria, Godson is familiar as a first name and appears alongside other names built from "God," such as Godswill and Godsgift.
How Popular is the Name Godson?
Godson has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2019. Its best rank was #5,904 in 2019.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #9,191 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2024 | #10,206 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2023 | #9,193 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2021 | #11,221 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2020 | #9,907 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2019 | #5,904 | 15 | 0.0008% |
| 2018 | #11,248 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2017 | #6,827 | 12 | 0.0006% |
| 2016 | #7,789 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2015 | #12,723 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2014 | #7,210 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2013 | #11,201 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2009 | #13,130 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2006 | #11,112 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2000 | #10,985 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1996 | #9,515 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Explore More Lists with Name Godson
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with G
How the Name Godson Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are introspective, prophetic, philosophical, and soul searching, but also can be analytical, critical and opinionated. You think deeply and clearly, have an air of mystery, can be solitary and secretive. You are frank, methodical and believe in law, system and order.
You are always looking for an opportunity to achieve financial and emotional security. You are basically peacemaker. You understand the law of harmony and desire to balance your life with those around you. You may feel incomplete without someone to share your love, ideals, wealth or work. You can be very sensitive and could appear a bit shy and perceptive. You have developed intuition, patience and the ability to nurture others. You can achieve the state of happiness if you are willing to accept your needs in a complimentary relationship and go to create them.
✦ Godson's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Godson's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.