Surname Goudy - Meaning and Origin
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Goudy: What does the surname Goudy mean?
Goudy is an Anglo-Norman surname derived from the Old French word "goud" meaning "good". It is believed that the name was brought to England after the Conquest of 1066.
The Goudy family is believed to have originally been of Viking descent, which likely accounts for the fact that the surname is mainly found in England and Ireland.
In the centuries that followed, the family spread across England and other countries. Over time, the spelling of the surname varied, but today, the most common form is “Goudy”.
Goudy is generally considered to be an occupational surname, indicating that the bearer was a vintner or wine merchant. It could also be derived from the government position of audetor, which was one of the earliest public occupations in the Middle Ages. During that time, it was the task of the audetor to measure and keep track of the produce of the local farmers.
The Goudy name represents much history and strife, and today many members of the same family can trace their roots back thousands of years. This rich heritage speaks to the long-standing Goudy connection to the land, and to the sturdy and resilient character that their ancestors displayed.
Order DNA origin analysisGoudy: Where does the name Goudy come from?
The last name Goudy is primarily found in countries of Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America. In Europe, the largest population of people with the last name Goudy can be found in Sweden, followed by Norway and Finland. The concentration of Goudy's in the UK is located mainly in Scotland and northern England. In North America, the last name Goudy is most common in the United States and Canada, but both countries show significant numbers in their respective populations.
In terms of the US, Goudys can be found in every state. The most populated states for people with this last name are California, Texas, and Wisconsin. The states with the highest concentrations of the Goudy name are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois. In Canada, the province with the highest population of Goudys is Nova Scotia, followed by Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick.
The last name Goudy is a relatively uncommon last name that is likely a modified version of the Germanic surname Goedecke, which ultimately means "god's protector". The surname is believed to have been created in the Middle Ages, when surnames first began to become popular in Europe. Today, there are many people who carry the name Goudy, and they can be found all over the world.
Variations of the surname Goudy
The surname Goudy can be spelled in several different ways, including Goudey, Goudie, Goudye, and Gowdy. All of these variations are derived from the same origin and have the same pronunciation. This name likely has English roots, but there are some variations which have Scottish and French origins as well.
In the United States, the Goudey variant is the most common form of the surname. It likely originates from the Old English ‘goedig’ which means “goodly” or “substantial”. This is further reflected by the “Goudy Coat of Arms”, which includes three gold lions. It is likely that the earliest records of the Goudy surname are found in Northern England and Scotland.
In Scotland, the surname Gowdy is the most common variety. This might be derived from the Gaelic word ‘gobha’ or ‘gobhar’ which translates to “smith”. It also might be derived from the Old Norse ‘godi’, which would translate to “good”.
In the French-speaking countries, the surname is likely derived from the Alberta word ‘gaudette’ which translates to “joyful” or ”happy”.
Overall, the surname Goudy is likely of an Old English origin and has been altered through different variations. Despite the minor differences in spelling and pronunciation, the Goudy family has a common origin which has allowed it to span multiple countries.
Famous people with the name Goudy
- Frederic Goudy: a noted American type designer, watercolorist, calligrapher and book designer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Ruth Goudy: an Australian golfer who has won several tournaments over the course of her career.
- Kestutis Goudy: a Lithuanian composer.
- David Goudy: a Canadian actor known for his roles in Murdoch Mysteries and The Newsroom.
- John Goudy: a United States Navy sailor who fought in the Pacific during World War II and was decorated for bravery.
- Hilda Goudy: an American collector of popular prints, posters, and photographs from the 1920s and 1930s.
- Willard Goudy: a U.S. Army Colonel and author of thirty-one books.
- Charlie Goudy: an American professional baseball pitcher who played for the St. Louis Browns in the Major Leagues.
- James Goudy: a U.S. Representative from Ohio.
- Edward Goudy: an American architect who designed numerous churches in the Midwest during the early 20th century.