Goodfellow Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Goodfellow Origin:

England

Origins of Goodfellow:

This interesting and uncommon surname is of old English origins. It is, or rather was, a love name for a friendly fellow, the derivation being from the Old English pre 7th-century phrase ‘God-feolaga,’ the next having the similar meaning of a fellow, and like perhaps used to mention a (fellow) representative of a trading company. It is an example of a large group of old European surnames that were slightly formed from the continual use of nicknames. The nicknames provided in the first example related to the difference of qualities, like physical qualities or characteristics, mental and moral values, or even likeness to an animal’s or bird’s appearance, as well as styles of dressing. The new surname can appear as Goodfellow and Goodfellowe. According to the early recordings of the remaining parish records of the city of London are the naming of Allen, son of John Goodfellow, in August 1599 at St. Laurence Jewry and St. Mary Magdalene, Milk Street, and the wedding of Christopher Goodfellow and Margaret Feazant in October 1645 at St. Christopher Le Stocks.

Variations:

More common variations are: Good-Fellow, Goodfelow, Godfellow, Goodfallow, Goddfellow, Goodfollow.

England:

The origins of the surname Goodfellow were found in Essex where people held a family seat from early times. Someone say better before the success of Normans and the entrance of Duke William at Hastings 1066 A.D.

The very first recording spelling of the family was shown to be that of Richard Godfelage, dated about 1192, in the “Pipe Rolls of Northumberland.” It was during the time of King Richard 1st, who was known to be the “The Lionheart,” dated 1189-1199. The origin of surnames during this period became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation.

Ireland:

Many of the people with surname Goodfellow had moved to Ireland during the 17th century.

United States of America:

Some of the people with the surname Goodfellow who settled in the United States in the 19th century included William Goodfellow landed in Missouri in 1840. David Goodfellow arrived in Missouri in 1840. James Goodfellow landed in Missouri in 1847. S D Goodfellow, S S Goodfellow, both landed in San Francisco, California in 1851.

Australia:

Some of the people with the surname Goodfellow who settled in Australia in the 19th century included William Goodfellow, an English prisoner from Staffordshire, who shifted aboard the “Almorah” in April 1817, settling in New South Wales, Australia. Charles Felix Goodfellow arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship “Epaminondas.” John Goodfellow arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship “John Banks.” Catherine Goodfellow arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship “Royal Albert.” William Goodfellow arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship “Amazon.”

New-Zealand:

Some of the people with the surname Goodfellow who settled in New Zealand in the 19th century included W Goodfellow landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840. William Goodfellow and Henry Goodfellow, both arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “Bombay” in 1865

Here is the population distribution of the last name Goodfellow: England 3,291; United States 3,230; Canada 1,986; Australia 902; Scotland 525; Wales 260; New Zealand 227; South Africa 219; Germany 168; Northern Ireland 107.

Notable People:

Charles Augustus Goodfellow (1836–1915), was an English member of the Victoria Cross.

Ebbie Goodfellow (1906–1985), was a Canadian professional ice hockey player.

Geoff Goodfellow (born 1949), is the creator of the wireless communicator that became the Blackberry.

George E. Goodfellow (1855-1910), was an American specialist and expert on gunshot wounds.

Guy Goodfellow was an English interior designer and an old manager of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler.

Jimmy Goodfellow (born 1943), is an old English professional footballer and manager.

Marc Goodfellow (born 1981), is an English professional football player.

Peter Neville Goodfellow (born 1951) is a British Biologist.

Walter Goodfellow (1866-1953), was a British Biologist.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) Notes: (Inner Temple, London; granted 16 April, 1665). Blazon: Sa. three leopards’ faces in fesse betw. two bars gemelles or.
2) Notes: None. Blazon: Sa. on a fesse double cotised or, three leopards’ faces of the field. Crest—A horse ramp. gu.