The English surname "GUTTERIDGE" is patronymic in origin and hence belongs to that category of surnames, which find their origin in the first name of the father of the original bearer. As a patronymic name, scholars have shown two possible sources for the surname Gutteridge.
Firstly, the name might derive from the Old English name Godric which, when studied, is composed of the elements "god" meaning "good" and "ric" meaning "power". Thus the name signified one who was a "good ruler" which the child would assume in adulthood.
Secondly, the name might find its origin in the Middle English name Cuterich, itself derived from the Old English name Cudnic comprised of the components "cud", meaning "famous or well known" and"nic", meaning power. Again the name would be conferred on a child in the hopes that they might assume some of the qualities most valued by society.
Thus, the surname Gutteridge may denote the son of Cuterick or Godric.
Assorted Spellings
Until the 20th century most of the population was illiterate and in most cases of recording "Birth, Marriage and Death" the writing of the name fell upon the Cleric of the day, and even they only wrote what they thought they heard, it was often found that many of the same family had different spellings for their surnames, and occasionally the spellings on a persons "Birth, Marriage and Death certificate" could be spelt differently