Rising since 2011, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Godson since 1996
Babies named Godson per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 16 |
| 2010s | 65 |
| 2020s | 36 |
Meaning & origin
Godson is a rare modern name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1996. Despite its late start, it has shown a gradual upward trend, with its peak in popularity occurring in 2019. The name remains uncommon, however, with a current incidence of roughly 1 in 213,510 births (2025). Its trajectory has been steadily rising since 2011, suggesting a slow but consistent increase in use. The name's meaning is uncertain, but it likely derives from the English word 'godson' or the surname Godson, which itself has religious connotations. Godson has not been associated with any particular states or cultural traditions, and it does not appear in historical name dictionaries, consistent with its status as a modern coinage.
Godson is a modern given name, first recorded in the United States in 1996. Its origin is unclear; it may derive from the English common noun godson, referring to a male godchild, or it may be a transferred use of the English surname Godson, which itself originated as a patronymic meaning 'son of God'. The name has seen occasional use, particularly in the 2010s, but remains rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Goddy, Sonny
Sibling names for Godson
Names that share Godson's style, for a brother or sister.
