Last Name Isherwood

The origin of the last name 'Isherwood' is English. It is a locational surname derived from the name of a place called Isherwood, which no longer exists. The place name itself is believed to have originated from the Old English words 'isc' meaning 'fish' and 'hege' meaning 'enclosure' or 'hedge,' suggesting a location near a fishpond or enclosure. Over time, those who lived in or near Isherwood adopted the name as their surname. The name Isherwood is relatively rare and is primarily found in England and in English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Isherwood

The meaning and origin of the last name Isherwood

The surname Isherwood is of English origin and has a fascinating etymology. It is derived from the Old English word "ire" or "eor," meaning "boar," and "wudu," meaning "wood" or "forest." Therefore, the name Isherwood can be interpreted as "boar wood" or "boar forest." This suggests that an ancestral bearer of this name may have either lived in or owned a property near a forest area inhabited by wild boars. The Isherwood surname can be found predominantly in the counties of Lancashire and Cheshire in England. The earliest documented evidence of the Isherwood family can be traced back to the 14th century in the town of Manchester. Over time, individuals with the name Isherwood migrated to various regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, further spreading their family line and contributing to the name's global presence today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Isherwood

The surname Isherwood has a geographical distribution that is primarily found in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, the name is most commonly associated with the Lancashire and Greater Manchester regions, particularly in towns such as Bury and Salford. This is likely due to historical and ancestral ties to these regions. In the United States, the name is more dispersed but can be found in higher concentrations in states such as California, New York, and Pennsylvania. It is of English origin and can be traced back to the medieval period. Over time, individuals with the surname Isherwood have emigrated to various parts of the globe, resulting in smaller pockets of the name appearing in countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Overall, while the name is primarily concentrated in the UK and the US, it can also be found in several other countries as a result of migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Isherwood

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Famous people with the last name Isherwood

Christopher Isherwood (1904-1986) is arguably the most famous Isherwood in recent history. He was an influential English-American novelist and playwright, known for his semi-autobiographical works such as "Goodbye to Berlin" (1939), which inspired the musical "Cabaret." Isherwood's writings often explored themes of sexuality and identity, and he became an important figure of the LGBTQ+ movement. His works have been adapted into several films and plays, solidifying his place in literary history. In addition to Christopher Isherwood, his lifelong friend and collaborator, W.H. Auden, a renowned poet, deserves mention. Although not an Isherwood by surname, Auden played a significant role in shaping Christopher's writings and providing creative support. While these individuals might be the most recognizable Isherwoods, it should be noted that the surname itself does not have widespread fame or recognition beyond the literary world, and there are likely few other well-known figures with this specific last name.

Genealogical research on the last name Isherwood

The last name "Isherwood" has an interesting genealogical history. This surname is of English origin and is believed to have originated from the combination of the Old English elements "îsern" meaning "iron" and "wudu" meaning "wood." Over time, the name developed various spellings including Issewood, Yschywood, and Isiwood before settling on Isherwood. Early records indicate that the Isherwood family was concentrated in Lancashire, particularly in the region around Bolton and Manchester. The name spread to other parts of England as people migrated for work or married into different families. Research suggests that the Isherwood family has roots in the medieval period, with individuals involved in farming and possibly working with iron. As the centuries passed, they engaged in various occupations such as weaving, coal mining, and even naval service. Many Isherwoods migrated to other countries, particularly the United States and Australia, seeking new opportunities and contributing to the diverse branches of the family tree. Today, descendants of the Isherwood family can be found worldwide, proudly carrying forward their ancestors' name and heritage.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Isherwood"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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