Godehard

Godehard is a given name of Germanic origin. The name is derived from the Old High German elements "god" meaning "god" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "strong". Therefore, the name Godehard can be interpreted as "strong in God" or "brave in God". It was a common name among nobility and warriors in medieval Germanic societies.

The most prominent historical figure bearing this name is Saint Godehard of Hildesheim, a Benedictine bishop who lived in the 10th and 11th centuries. Born around 960 AD, he became the Bishop of Hildesheim in 1022 and is known for his administrative reforms and his efforts to spread Christianity. He was canonized as a saint shortly after his death in 1038.

The name Godehard, while less common today than in historical periods, is still in use in German-speaking countries. Variations of the name exist across different European languages, reflecting its ancient Germanic roots. These variations often retain the core meaning of divine strength or protection. The legacy of Saint Godehard has also contributed to the continued recognition and use of the name.