Gottfried Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationGOT-freed / /ˈɡɒt.friːd/German; Dutch
Meaning
German: God's peace; Dutch: God's peace
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Gottfried has its roots in the Germanic elements "god" meaning "god" and "frid" meaning "peace" or "protection." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, beginning with Old High German as "Gottfrid" and Middle High German as "Gotfried." The name made its way into English through the influence of Norman culture following the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, where it was adopted in various forms, including "Godfrey." The transition into English was facilitated by the integration of Norman French, which had absorbed many Germanic names and elements.
Historically, the name Gottfried has been borne by several notable figures. One of the earliest recorded instances is Gottfried of Strassburg, a 13th-century poet known for his epic romance "Tristan" and "Isolde." The name also appears in various forms in medieval texts and chronicles, often associated with nobility and chivalric ideals. In the context of the Christian tradition, the name is linked to saints and religious figures, contributing to its prominence in German-speaking regions during the Middle Ages. The name was further popularized by the 17th-century philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, who made significant contributions to mathematics and philosophy.
Culturally, Gottfried has been associated with themes of divine protection and peace, reflecting the meanings of its components. This connection to peace may have contributed to its use in various literary and artistic contexts throughout history. The name has also seen variations and diminutives, such as "Gottfried" and "Godfrey," which have appeared in different regions and eras, each carrying the historical weight of the original name. Overall, Gottfried embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical significance, and cultural resonance.
Trend Summary
Gottfried has seen a decline in popularity in the United States over the past century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Gottfried
- Gottfrid
International Variants
- Gottfried (German)
- Godfried (Dutch)
- Gottfrid (Swedish)
Famous people named Gottfried
Gottfried Helnwein is an artist best known for his hyper-realistic paintings and installations.
Fictional characters named Gottfried
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Gottfried was first seen in the United States in 1913. Gottfried has ranked as high as #861 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in . In the past 5 years the name Gottfried has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Gottfried
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1913 | 8 |
| 1914 | 9 |
| 1915 | 9 |
| 1916 | 11 |
| 1918 | 12 |
| 1919 | 5 |
| 1920 | 6 |
| 1922 | 8 |
| 1923 | 7 |
| 1924 | 8 |
| 1925 | 7 |
| 1926 | 9 |
| 1934 | 6 |
| 1936 | 5 |
| 1938 | 5 |