Summary

The surname Goodman is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word 'goodman', which means 'good man' or 'honest man'. It was originally used as a term to address a respectable or worthy man. Over time, it became a hereditary surname. The Goodman surname has a rich history and is found in various English-speaking countries.
There are
73136
Goodmans in the USA
Goodman is the
451st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Goodman

AlGoodman

Al Goodman was an American conductor, composer, and arranger best known for his work on the radio program 'Your Hit Parade' in the 1940s and 1950s.

AndrewGoodman

Andrew Goodman was an American civil rights activist who was murdered along with two other activists during the Freedom Summer in Mississippi in 1964.

DodyGoodman

Dody Goodman was an American comedic actress known for her roles in films like 'Grease' and 'Splash' as well as her appearances on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.'

EllenGoodman

Ellen Goodman is an American journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist known for her commentary on social issues and women's rights.

BergenEvans

Bergen Evans was an American educator and author, known for his work as a host on the television quiz show 'The $64,000 Challenge' and his popular books on language and grammar.

DavidGoodman

David Goodman is an American television writer, producer, and author, known for his work on shows like 'Family Guy' and 'The Orville.'

LindaGoodman

Linda Goodman was an American astrologer and author known for her popular astrology books, including 'Sun Signs' and 'Love Signs.'

NelsonGoodman

Nelson Goodman was an American philosopher and logician, known for his work on aesthetics and the philosophy of art, particularly his theory of symbols and representation.

RebeccaGoodman

Rebecca Goodman is a British fashion designer known for her avant-garde and experimental designs that blend traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials and techniques.

StanleyGoodman

Stanley Goodman is a British archaeologist and Egyptologist, known for his extensive research and excavations in ancient Egyptian sites, particularly the Valley of the Kings.

Goodman Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Goodman' is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'gōd,' meaning 'good,' and 'mann,' meaning 'man.' It was likely used as a descriptive surname for someone who exhibited good qualities or as a nickname for someone who was considered a good man.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Goodman' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. It also has a significant presence in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Goodman' include 'Goodwin' and 'Godman.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Goodman' has been carried by immigrants to various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, as part of the global diaspora of English-speaking populations.