Origin & Meaning of the Goodman Surname
What does the last name Goodman mean?
The surname Goodman carries the meaning "A person associated with." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 73,136 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Goodman ranks as the #451 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Goodman come from?
The Goodman surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Goodman name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Goodman trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Goodman |
|---|---|
| Meaning | A person associated with |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #451 |
| US Count (2010) | 73,136 |
| Per 100K People | 24.79 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Goodman
According to the US Census, the Goodman surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 73,136 Americans with the Goodman last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.33% |
| Black | 15.83% |
| Hispanic | 2.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 1.84% |
Popularity of Goodman Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Goodman surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Goodman surname increased by 1,654 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Goodman
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