This very interesting name has two possible origins, the first being a medieval nickname for an Inn-keeper, one who brewed 'the good beer', as in Robert Godebere, 1296, the Pipe Rolls of Sussex. The second possibility is a foreshortened version of the medieval parting blessing 'God be with you'. In the modern spelling there are a number of variants including Godbear, Godbet, Godbehere, Gody and Gobey etc. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gillert Godbiemidus. which was dated 1219 The Lancashire Assize Court. during the reign of King Henry 111 The Frenchman 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.