Adjacent to McKinney Playground is Boston’s Goodenough Street. The origin of its name is not explicitly determined, but there are a few speculations on why Boston has a short four-block street called “Goodenough” in its Brighton hub.
The Story of Goodenough Street in Boston
While it might be tempting to believe that the street was serendipitously named “Goodenough” because it seemed like a good enough name, it is more likely named after a prominent family among Massachusetts’ early settlers. The name Goodenough comes from evolutions of the family name “Goodenow.”
Origins of the Goodenow Family
Four siblings of the English Goodenow family emigrated to Massachusetts in 1638 on the Confidence ship. The three brothers and one sister settled in Sudbury and were very involved in the town. Edmund Goodenow has a prominent ancient tombstone at the Sudbury cemetery due to his profound association with town affairs.
The Goodenough Family Takes Boston
The Goodenow family expanded its reach to other parts of Massachusetts, spreading roots to Boston and creating a legacy. While it is not explicitly documented, the street is likely named after the family. The Goodenow name evolved over time, beginning with the English surname Godinot, and transforming to Goodinhough, Goodinhaugh, and Goodinhow before eventually becoming “Goodenough.”