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Home › Baby Names Directory › Goodness

Goodness

♂ Boy

Pronounced GOOD-nuss /ˈɡʊd.nəs/High

Meaning: An English virtue name from the word 'goodness' — kindness, moral worth, decency. It is used as a given name especially in Nigeria and parts of Africa, often as a faith-tinged blessing. Note honestly.Medium

In 30 seconds: A bright virtue name: Goodness means kindness and moral worth (said 'GOOD-nuss'). It's a beloved blessing name in Nigeria and beyond.
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningAn English virtue name from the word 'goodness' — kindness, moral worth, decency. It is used as a given name especially in Nigeria and parts of Africa, often as a faith-tinged blessing. Note honestly.
U.S. rank (2024)#12895 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 16

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202220182024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Goodness is an English word turned given name — kindness, decency, moral worth. It is used as a first name most of all in Nigeria and across Africa, often as a blessing name alongside Precious and Favour. A clear, virtue-forward choice (said 'GOOD-nuss').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S., a distinctive, uplifting word-name. Rare, virtuous, and warm.

Did you know? Goodness is a virtue name drawn straight from the word — a faith-tinged blessing especially loved in Nigeria, where word-names like Blessing and Precious flourish. A warm, meaning-first pick (said 'GOOD-nuss').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Goodness — English virtue word-name; common in Nigeria/Africa

Variations

GoodnewsGoodluck

Nicknames

GoodyGood

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Goodness…

Blessing— a like faith-tinged virtue word-name
Favour— a like blessing name loved in Nigeria
Precious— a like warm word-name pick
Greatness— echoes that soft -ss sound
Kross— shares the -ss ending

Explore names like Goodness

By themeword-namevirtuefaithnigerian

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Goodness mean?

Goodness is a virtue name from the English word, meaning kindness, decency and moral worth. It's a popular blessing name in Nigeria.

How do you pronounce Goodness?

It's said GOOD-nuss /ˈɡʊd.nəs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Goodness a boy or girl name?

Goodness is used as a boy's name here, though it is given to both.

How popular is Goodness?

Goodness is rare for boys in the U.S. but well loved as a virtue name in Nigeria and across Africa.

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