Gottfried

Gottfried is a masculine given name of German origin. It is composed of the elements Gott, meaning "God," and fried, meaning "peace." The name has been used in German-speaking regions since medieval times and has several variants, including Gottfrid and Gottfride. Its English cognate is Godfrey.

In historical and cultural contexts, Gottfried has been borne by scholars, writers, and artists, reflecting the name’s long association with learning and piety. Notable bearers include Johann Gottfried Herder (1744–1803), a prominent philosopher, poet, and theologian; Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716), a philosopher and polymath; and Gottfried Keller (1819–1890), a Swiss writer and Nobel laureate in literature. Medieval literature features Gottfried von Strassburg, the author of the Tristan legend, and the name appears in 19th- and 20th-century figures such as Gottfried Benn (1886–1956), a physician, poet, and essayist; and Gottfried Semper (1803–1879), an architect and art theorist.

Today, Gottfried remains a classic but relatively uncommon given name in the German-speaking world, often used in a traditional or familial context. The name is sometimes encountered in combinations as a two-part given name, such as Johann Gottfried or Gottfried Wilhelm, and it continues to be recognized for its historical associations with science, philosophy, and the arts.