Fun Facts About the Name Godwin
- 578 babies named Godwin: U.S. records list 578 babies given the name Godwin from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Godwin Mean?
Godwin is an English masculine given name and surname. It comes from the Old English personal name Godwine, formed from god ("god") and wine ("friend"). The literal sense is "friend of God" or "God's friend." The second element is the same wine found in other Old English names such as Æthelwine and Leofwine; it is not related to the modern English word for wine. In Christian use, the first element was understood as referring to the Christian God, and the name carried the sense of a person who is dear to or beloved by God.
Godwin Name History & Origins
The name is recorded in England before the Norman Conquest as Godwine. Its best-known early bearer was Godwine, Earl of Wessex (died 1053), a powerful Anglo-Saxon noble and the father of King Harold II, who was defeated at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. After the Norman Conquest, many Old English personal names fell out of fashion among the upper classes, but Godwine survived in the surname Godwin. The surname is found in medieval English records, and from it the given name was later revived.
As a modern given name, Godwin is used in English-speaking countries. It is also used as a given name in Nigeria and other English-speaking countries in Africa. The surname form appears in the name of the English philosopher William Godwin (1756 - 1836), though that is a family surname rather than evidence of the given name's use.
How Popular is the Name Godwin?
Godwin 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 2011. Its best rank was #3,131 in 1983.
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 | #5,951 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2024 | #6,257 | 14 | 0.0008% |
| 2023 | #5,531 | 17 | 0.0010% |
| 2022 | #8,535 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2021 | #5,624 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 2020 | #8,991 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2019 | #5,409 | 17 | 0.0009% |
| 2018 | #4,518 | 22 | 0.0012% |
| 2017 | #4,993 | 19 | 0.0010% |
| 2016 | #5,195 | 18 | 0.0009% |
| 2015 | #5,137 | 18 | 0.0009% |
| 2014 | #9,060 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 2013 | #6,370 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2012 | #5,108 | 18 | 0.0009% |
| 2011 | #4,413 | 22 | 0.0012% |
| 2010 | #6,815 | 12 | 0.0006% |
| 2009 | #6,949 | 12 | 0.0006% |
| 2008 | #5,324 | 17 | 0.0008% |
| 2007 | #6,384 | 13 | 0.0006% |
| 2006 | #5,155 | 17 | 0.0008% |
| 2005 | #5,985 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2004 | #5,090 | 16 | 0.0008% |
| 2003 | #7,453 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2002 | #6,231 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2001 | #11,165 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2000 | #8,503 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1998 | #4,974 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 1997 | #6,270 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1996 | #5,687 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1995 | #4,617 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 1994 | #5,608 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1993 | #9,228 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1992 | #7,798 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1991 | #6,791 | 7 | 0.0003% |
| 1990 | #6,036 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1989 | #8,351 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 1988 | #4,553 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1987 | #5,129 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1985 | #4,452 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1984 | #3,790 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 1983 | #3,131 | 14 | 0.0008% |
| 1982 | #3,778 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 1981 | #4,284 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1979 | #4,567 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1977 | #6,207 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1973 | #5,373 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1963 | #4,278 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 1962 | #4,273 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 1954 | #4,035 | 5 | 0.0002% |
| 1952 | #3,946 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1950 | #3,462 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1925 | #4,487 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1914 | #3,459 | 5 | 0.0008% |
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 Godwin
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with G
How the Name Godwin 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 desire to inspire and lead, to control other's affairs. You are giving, courageous and bold, action oriented,energetic and strong willed. You want to make a difference in the world, and this attitude often attracts you to cultural interests, politics, social issues, and the cultivation of your creative talents.
✦ Godwin's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Godwin's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.