This surname derives from the Germanic personal name 'Godfrida' or 'Godefrid', which developed into the Middle English name Godefrey. 'God' - good, and 'frid' - peace. The surname is relational, meaning it developed from a need to identify family relationships within a community, i.e. John, son of Godfrey.

In 1881 UK Census, Bedfordshire was the county with the highest population of people with this surname. Variations of the surname include Godfry, Godfray, Godfree, Gotfrey.

An early example of the surname is William Godefre, who is named in a 1297 Staffordshire Quitclaim.