Godefroy

Godefroy is a given name and surname of French origin. It derives from the Old French Godefroi, itself from the Germanic elements god, meaning “God,” and frid, meaning “peace,” so the name conveys the sense of “God’s peace” or “peace of God.” The form is cognate with the English Godfrey and the German Gottfried.

In medieval France the name appeared among various noble and clerical families. In modern times, Godefroy remains primarily a masculine given name in French-speaking regions and, less commonly, a surname.

Notable bearers include Godfrey of Bouillon (Godefroy de Bouillon), who lived circa 1058–1100. He was a prominent Frankish knight who led the First Crusade and became the ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem after its conquest, although he declined the title of king.

The name has several variants, including Godefroid, Godefray, and Godefroi, with Godfrey serving as its Anglophone counterpart. As a cultural and personal name, Godefroy reflects historical ties between French and Germanic naming traditions.