NameCensus.

UK surname

Godden

An English surname derived from a place name meaning "good valley" or "fertile valley".

In the 1881 census there were 2,056 people recorded with the Godden surname, ranking it #2,144 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 3,106, ranked #2,173, down from #2,144 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, Dover St James, Dover St Mary and Hythe St Leonard, Cheriton, Newington, Saltwood, West Hythe, Burmarsh. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Swale, Shepway and Ashford.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Godden is 3,215 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 51.1%.

1881 census count

2,056

Ranked #2,144

Modern count

3,106

2016, ranked #2,173

Peak year

2010

3,215 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Godden had 2,056 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,144 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 3,106 in 2016, ranked #2,173.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 3,084 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Ageing Communities.

Godden surname distribution map

The map shows where the Godden surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Godden surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Godden over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 1,350 #2,131
1861 historical 1,285 #2,215
1881 historical 2,056 #2,144
1891 historical 2,275 #2,052
1901 historical 2,691 #2,059
1911 historical 3,084 #1,690
1997 modern 3,082 #2,080
1998 modern 3,191 #2,104
1999 modern 3,205 #2,104
2000 modern 3,199 #2,098
2001 modern 3,112 #2,109
2002 modern 3,205 #2,097
2003 modern 3,096 #2,121
2004 modern 3,128 #2,094
2005 modern 3,029 #2,136
2006 modern 2,994 #2,163
2007 modern 3,024 #2,162
2008 modern 3,000 #2,188
2009 modern 3,120 #2,168
2010 modern 3,215 #2,149
2011 modern 3,190 #2,134
2012 modern 3,075 #2,174
2013 modern 3,145 #2,166
2014 modern 3,164 #2,171
2015 modern 3,112 #2,176
2016 modern 3,106 #2,173

Geography

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Where Goddens are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, Dover St James, Dover St Mary, Hythe St Leonard, Cheriton, Newington, Saltwood, West Hythe, Burmarsh and Hawkinge, Folkestone. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Swale, Shepway and Ashford. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 London parishes London 1
2 London parishes London 3
3 Dover St James, Dover St Mary Kent
4 Hythe St Leonard, Cheriton, Newington, Saltwood, West Hythe, Burmarsh Kent
5 Hawkinge, Folkestone Kent

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Swale 017 Swale
2 Shepway 001 Shepway
3 Shepway 006 Shepway
4 Shepway 005 Shepway
5 Ashford 010 Ashford

Forenames

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First names often paired with Godden

These lists show first names that appear often with the Godden surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Godden

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Godden, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Ageing Communities

Nationally, the Godden surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Ageing Communities, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Godden household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many residents are of normal retirement age or above and live in communal establishments, and there are few dependent children. The dominant property type is a mix of retirement flats and detached houses. Those in work are likely to be employed in managerial and professional occupations, and many residents are educated to degree level. Levels of owner occupation are high, but the private rental sector is also present. Rural locations predominate.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

London Fringe

Within London, Godden is most associated with areas classed as London Fringe, part of Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Predominantly located in neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Greater London, residents of these neighbourhoods typically have their highest qualifications below degree (Level 4) level, with those still in work engaged in skilled trades and occupations in distribution, hotels and restaurants. There is low ethnic diversity in these neighbourhoods and high levels of Christian religious affiliation. Detached or terraced houses predominate, often with spare rooms.

Wider London pattern

The age distribution of these neighbourhoods is skewed towards the middle-aged and old, although few residents live alone or in communal establishments and numbers of dependent children are around average. Owner occupation is the norm, as is residence in detached or semi-detached houses. Residential densities are low and many households have spare rooms. Most residents were born in the UK and, aside from some identifying as members of Chinese or Indian ethnicities, identify as White. Mixed ethnicity households are rare. Incidence of married couples is higher than average and few individuals have never been married. A large proportion of individuals still in employment work in administrative and secretarial occupations, or in the construction industry. Few residents are students, and many households own more than one car.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Godden is most concentrated in decile 3 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

3
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Godden falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Godden is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Godden, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Godden

The surname Godden is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "gód" meaning good, and "denu" meaning valley or down. This suggests that the name likely originated from a location, possibly a fertile valley or an area suitable for agriculture. The earliest recorded instances of this surname date back to the late 12th century.

One of the earliest known references to the Godden surname can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Sussex, which record a William Godden in 1203. The Pipe Rolls were financial records maintained by the English Exchequer, providing valuable insights into the names and locations of individuals during that period.

In the 13th century, the Godden surname appeared in various forms, including Godyn, Godden, and Godeyn. These variations were common due to the lack of standardized spelling conventions at the time. The surname was particularly prevalent in the counties of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, indicating its roots in the southeastern regions of England.

One notable figure bearing the Godden surname was John Godden, who served as the Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1584 to 1590. Another prominent individual was Thomas Godden (1516-1590), an English theologian and academic who served as the President of Magdalen College, Oxford, from 1565 until his death.

The Godden surname can also be traced back to several place names in England, such as Godden Green in Kent and Godden Farm in Surrey. These locations may have been associated with the early bearers of the name, contributing to its geographical spread.

In the 16th century, the Godden family established a presence in the town of Wingham, Kent. One member, Richard Godden (1534-1599), was a respected landowner and member of the local gentry. His descendants continued to reside in the area for several generations.

Another notable figure was Thomas Godden (1768-1836), an English Particular Baptist minister and writer who served as the pastor of the Baptist church in Yeovil, Somerset, for over 50 years. His published works included sermons and religious tracts.

While the Godden surname has a long and storied history in England, it has also been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, further contributing to its legacy and recognition.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Godden families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Godden surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Kent leads with 815 Goddens recorded in 1881 and an index of 11.84x.

County Total Index
Kent 815 11.84x
Hampshire 243 5.87x
Middlesex 217 1.08x
Sussex 198 5.82x
Surrey 119 1.21x
Dorset 114 8.61x
Essex 84 2.11x
Wiltshire 77 4.31x
Suffolk 36 1.46x
Somerset 32 0.99x
Berkshire 23 1.52x
Yorkshire 20 0.10x
Lancashire 14 0.06x
Durham 9 0.15x
Channel Islands 8 1.34x
Hertfordshire 8 0.58x
Oxfordshire 8 0.64x
Northumberland 6 0.20x
Derbyshire 5 0.16x
Buckinghamshire 4 0.33x
Devon 4 0.10x
Gloucestershire 4 0.10x
Warwickshire 4 0.08x
Anglesey 2 0.56x
Bedfordshire 2 0.19x
Northamptonshire 2 0.11x
Staffordshire 2 0.03x
Cheshire 1 0.02x
Glamorgan 1 0.03x
Herefordshire 1 0.12x
Isle of Man 1 0.27x
Lanarkshire 1 0.02x
Lincolnshire 1 0.03x
Renfrewshire 1 0.06x
Royal Navy 1 0.42x
Rutland 1 0.67x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Folkestone in Kent leads with 80 Goddens recorded in 1881 and an index of 59.89x.

Place Total Index
Folkestone 80 59.89x
Eastbourne 59 37.68x
Portisham 59 1196.75x
West Ham 44 5.00x
Saltwood 39 812.50x
Portsea 37 4.56x
Ruckinge 36 1313.87x
West Lavington 31 362.15x
Poplar London 30 7.88x
St Pancras London 30 1.85x
Charlton 28 61.22x
Chatham 28 14.78x
Hythe St Leonard 26 106.86x
Southampton St Mary 24 9.23x
Camberwell 23 1.78x
Millbrook 23 22.08x
Ashford 22 32.81x
Boughton Under Blean 20 173.46x
Brighton 20 2.91x
Eastling 20 602.41x
Paddington London 20 2.70x
Gillingham 19 13.38x
Lambeth 19 1.08x
Marden 19 117.65x
Croydon 17 3.11x
Kingston On Thames 17 7.20x
Alverstoke 16 10.69x
Canterbury St Mildred 16 97.92x
Islington London 16 0.82x
Margate St John Baptist 16 12.69x
Buckland In Dover 15 65.73x
Rainham 15 79.28x
Dover St Mary Virgin 14 21.01x
Harbledown 14 281.69x
Ramsgate 14 12.46x
Walcot 14 8.09x
Warehorne 14 380.43x
Bradford Peverell 13 570.18x
St Marylebone London 13 1.21x
Woodchurch 13 151.69x
Hastings All Sts 12 37.43x
Plumstead 12 5.23x
Shoreditch London 12 1.37x
South Stoneham 12 13.37x
Southampton All Sts 12 16.91x
Boxford 11 241.76x
Bromley London 11 2.48x
Collingbourne Kingston 11 228.69x
Eling 11 26.25x
Maidstone 11 5.36x
Overton 11 111.11x
Cliffe 10 64.35x
Mint 10 1315.79x
Rochester St Margaret 10 13.77x
St Luke London 10 3.09x
Bilsington 9 340.91x
Brading 9 16.37x
Chelsea London 9 1.48x
East Guildford 9 714.29x
Ecclesall Bierlow 9 2.21x
Ewhurst 9 119.05x
Hastings St Leonards 9 17.99x
Hastings St Mary In The 9 12.40x
Reading St Giles 9 6.06x
Selling 9 159.29x
Sittingbourne 9 16.55x
Snodland 9 46.11x
Southwark St George Martyr 9 2.22x
Titchfield 9 28.86x
Charlton Marshall 8 177.78x
Christchurch 8 8.92x
Crowhurst 8 274.91x
Great Chart 8 155.64x
Hartley Westpall 8 490.80x
Hastings St Andrew 8 65.63x
Murston 8 131.58x
Rye 8 24.74x
South Malling 8 158.42x
St Helier 8 4.11x
Waltham 8 228.57x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Godden surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Godden surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 137
George 85
John 84
James 73
Charles 58
Henry 57
Thomas 53
Alfred 39
Edward 32
Frederick 29
Joseph 26
Walter 25
Frank 24
Richard 23
Albert 21
Arthur 16
Harry 16
Stephen 16
Robert 15
Ernest 13
Daniel 11
Herbert 6
Samuel 6
Fred 5
Benjamin 4
David 4
Francis 4
Edmund 3
Edwin 3
G. 3
Horace 3
Isaac 3
Job 3
Lewis 3
Michael 3
Percy 3
Sidney 3
Abraham 2
Christopher 2
Frederic 2
Henery 2
Infant 2
Jeremiah 2
Jessie 2
Joel 2
Leonard 2
Matthew 2
Wyndham 2
Ephraim 1
Ephriam 1

FAQ

Godden surname: questions and answers

How common was the Godden surname in 1881?

In 1881, 2,056 people were recorded with the Godden surname. That placed it at #2,144 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Godden surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 3,106 in 2016. That gives Godden a modern rank of #2,173.

What does the Godden surname mean?

An English surname derived from a place name meaning "good valley" or "fertile valley".

What does the Godden map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Godden bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.