Surname Goodlad - Meaning and Origin

Goodlad: What does the surname Goodlad mean?

The last name Goodlad is a toponymic surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English “gōd” (good) and Old English “hlād” (a slope or hillside). Combined, the name literally translates to “good hill” or “good slope” and likely referred to a place or area where someone with this name once lived.

Goodlad is among the most common of surnames in the United Kingdom, where it is found primarily in England, and Scotland. In England, Goodlad is most concentrated in North East England, specifically Yorkshire and Northumberland. In Scotland, it is most commonly found in Fife and Ayrshire.

Early examples of the Goodlad surname can be found in the register of Edinburgh burgh dated 1591, which lists “Jonet Goodlad”, and in the register of Scottish burgh dated 1601, which lists “Jhone Goodlatt”.

The Goodlad family during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries often were draperies, butchers, millers, game keepers, and whiteworkers.

The sculptor and illustrator John Goodlad is a notable figure carrying the Goodlad surname. His work has been exhibited in The National Gallery of Scotland, Grosvenor Gallery in London, and is part of the permanent collections of the Tate Gallery in London and the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.

Goodlad: Where does the name Goodlad come from?

Goodlad is an English surname most commonly found in northern England and the Scottish Borders. The name is derived from the Old English “Gōd-hlǣd”, meaning “good protection” or “protector of the people”. It is still in use today, though its popularity has decreased over the years.

Goodlad is most commonly found in Scotland, where it accounts for 0.01% of the population. The name can also be found in Birmingham, England where it accounts for 0.004%, and in the United States, particularly in California and New York, where it accounts for 0.002%. In Canada, Goodlad is found mainly in Ontario, where the name is present in 0.009% of the population. Other countries where Goodlad can be found include Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.

The Goodlad surname has been traced to the 14th century and is believed to have originated in Cumbria, a county in northern England. It has since spread across the British Isles and beyond, and is quite well-known worldwide. The Goodlad family worked in a variety of trades over the years including farming, masonry and tailoring. Many Goodlad descendants have also served in the military, and today the name is still prevalent in many British Army regiments.

Goodlad is a unique and ancient surname, and its usage is still popular in some parts of the world today. It is a tribute to the generations of Goodlads that have passed on their protective heritage for many centuries.

Variations of the surname Goodlad

The Goodlad surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and a topographical name from "goodlade", a Middle English term used to describe someone who dwelled in a meadow beside a stream. The variants and spellings of Goodlad include Goodlad, Goodlade, Goodlatt, Goodlet, Goodlat, Goodlett, Goodletts, Goodlets, Goodlette, Goodlea, Goodling and Goodlyn.

The Goodlad surname was first found in Norfolk, where they described as a family of ancient significance, and they have held estates there since the mid 13th century. From that time, they have been an important and influential family in the local history of the county.

Goodlatt is an alternate spelling of the surname. The origin of the Goodlatt surname is likely derived from a place, such as Goodlade or Goodlatt, which was found in the Middle English of old England and referred to someone who was a dweller near a meadow, or stream. Goodlett is another derivative spelling of Goodlad. Historically, it is primarily found in Suffolk, where the Goodlett family were seated from olden times.

Goodletts, Goodlea and Goodling are also common spellings of the surname, as is Goodlyn, which is derived from the Middle English word "goodlín," meaning "small meadow". The family held a seat in Norfolk before the 11th century and were an ancient and prominent family in the area.

In conclusion, the Goodlad surname has several different variants, spellings, and surname derivatives originating from Middle English. These including Goodlad, Goodlade, Goodlatt, Goodlet, Goodlat, Goodlett, Goodletts, Goodlets, Goodlea, Goodling and Goodlyn, among others.

Famous people with the name Goodlad

• Janette Goodlad: British television presenter, journalist and actress best known for her work on ITV series This Morning.
• Rhona Goodlad: Scottish actress and novelist.
• Peter Goodlad: English television and film actor and musician.
• Harry Goodlad: British film and television actor.
• Donald Goodlad: Canadian politician, diplomat, diplomat and human rights advocate.
• Guy Goodlad: Former Canadian hockey player.
• Robbie Goodlad: Scottish radio and television presenter.
• Dean Goodlad: Author, educator and former president of the University of Salford in Manchester.
• John Goodlad: American educator, public intellectual and advocate of school reform.
• John Goodlad: British painter, printmaker and founding member of the Camden Town Group.

Other surnames

Goodlove