Godfrey is a common given name of Old English origin, meaning "God's peace." It has been used in various cultures and can be found in different forms, such as Godfrey of Bouillon, a medieval knight and leader of the First Crusade. The name has been popular in several countries, including England and Germany. In literature, Godfrey appears in works like Silas Marner by George Eliot, where Godfrey Cass is a central character. The name is also associated with various historical figures and fictional characters, making it a versatile choice in both real and imagined contexts.