Origin & Meaning of the Goodson Surname
What does the last name Goodson mean?
The surname Goodson carries the meaning "Son of Good." 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 15,820 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Goodson ranks as the #2,308 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Goodson come from?
The Goodson 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 Goodson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Goodson 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 | Goodson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Good |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,308 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,820 |
| Per 100K People | 5.36 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Goodson
According to the US Census, the Goodson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,820 Americans with the Goodson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.85% |
| Black | 23.51% |
| Hispanic | 2.25% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.82% |
| Two or More Races | 2.11% |
Popularity of Goodson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Goodson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Goodson surname increased by 591 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Goodson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Goodson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Goodson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Goodson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Goodson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goodson
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Goodson surname also look for: