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Godiva

Gender: Feminine
Language: English
Etymology:
Godiva is the modern, Latinized form of the Old English name Godgifu, meaning “God Gift” from “God” and “gifu” (gift).

History:
Use of the Old English name Godiva, died out after the14th century. Although many Old English names had fallen into disuse by the 14th century, the decline of Godiva is probaby due to the legend of Lady Godiva, who is said to have taken a nude ride through the town of Coventry. She did this, so the legend goes, to convince her husband, Leofric of Mercia, to lower taxes.

This story caused the name Godiva to become highly rare.


Pronunciation: go-dive-ah.

Alternates: Godeva, Godefe.

Surnames: Goodeve.

Famous Bearers:
Miscellaneous:
Lady Godiva (circa 1040-circa 1080)
English noblewomen who rode naked through the town of Coventry so taxes would be lowered..


Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.001 % named Godiva


Popularity of Godiva:
In the United States...
1880-2004: N/A


Selected Sources:
The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names, Withycombe, 1977, 3rd ed.
A Dictionary of First Names, Hanks and Hodges, 1990
The Penguin Dictionary of First Names, Pickering, 1999

The Social Security Administration Actuarial Note 139 - For popularity stats 1880-Present
The 1880 U.S. Census- For popularity stats 1850-1880, and other information (it is available on-line at www.familysearch.org)

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