NomOrigine Background

Last Name Woodring

What is the origin of the last name Woodring?

The last name "Woodring" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "wudu" meaning "wood" or "forest" and the suffix "-ing," which indicates "descendant" or "follower of." Therefore, "Woodring" can be understood to mean "descendant of the one who lived in or worked with wood." The name was likely given to individuals who were woodworkers or lived near a prominent wooded area.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Woodring

The meaning and origin of the last name Woodring

The surname Woodring is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "hring" meaning "circular object" or "ring." It is a topographical surname that was used to describe a person who lived near or in a wooded area, or someone who worked with or owned wood. The composition of "wudu" and "hring" suggests that the original bearer of the name may have resided near a circular or ring-shaped grove of trees. The Woodring surname can be traced back to medieval England, where it was initially spelled as "Wodering." Over time, due to variations in spelling and regional accents, the name evolved and took on different forms, including "Woodringe," "Woodryn," and "Woodring." As people migrated and settled in different parts of the world, the surname was carried abroad, particularly to the United States, Canada, and Australia, where it remains relatively common today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Woodring

The last name Woodring has primarily been found in the United States, particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. These states have a significant concentration of individuals with the surname. Additionally, the name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in other states such as California, Texas, Michigan, and Illinois. Outside of the United States, the surname Woodring is less prevalent, but there have been scattered occurrences in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The name can be traced back to its German origins, as it is believed to have originated from the German surname Wundring, which means "wandering" or "traveler." Over time, individuals with the surname Woodring have migrated and settled in different regions, contributing to its geographical distribution primarily within the United States, while maintaining a smaller presence in other nations around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Woodring

The last name Woodring has several variations and spellings. One common variant is Woutring, which may have originated from a different regional pronunciation or accent. Another variation is Woedring, which may have been a result of misspellings or clerical errors over time. Woodrings might also be spelled as Woodering, possibly due to phonetic differences or family preferences. The name Woodward can also be considered a possible variant of Woodring, as both names share the same etymological root derived from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "weard" meaning "guardian" or "protector." Additionally, there may be even more variations and alternate spellings of the Woodring surname, as family names can evolve and change through generations and different geographical regions. Overall, these different spellings and variations illustrate the diverse paths that family names can take, reflecting historical and cultural influences.

Famous people with the last name Woodring

While Woodring may not be as widely recognized as some surnames, there are still notable individuals who have held this last name. One such figure is Jim Woodring, an acclaimed American cartoonist and writer. Known for his surreal and dreamlike comic series, "Frank," which features a peculiar anthropomorphic creature, Woodring has captivated audiences with his unique artistic style. He often delves into the subconscious and presents thought-provoking narratives that challenge conventional storytelling. Moreover, Jeff Woodring made a name for himself in the sports industry as a professional baseball player. His career spanned several Major League Baseball teams, including the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees. Known for his versatility and strong defensive skills, Woodring was admired for his commitment and passion for the game. Though the Woodring name isn't as diverse in fame as some others, these individuals have certainly left an impact within their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Woodring

The last name Woodring is of English origin and is derived from the occupation of a woodranger or wood worker. The earliest known records of the Woodring surname date back to the 16th century in England. Over time, the name spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States. Research has identified several notable individuals with the last name Woodring throughout history. Census records and family trees reveal that the Woodring family has resided in various states in the US, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Carolina. Some prominent figures with the Woodring surname include military personnel, politicians, and professionals in various fields. Further genealogical research could delve into specific branches of the Woodring family tree, connecting living descendants and uncovering additional historical information, potentially linking them to their English roots and tracing their journey over centuries.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Woo (Last name)

surnames > woo

The last name "Woo" is of Chinese origin. It is a common surname among ethnic Chinese individuals. The Chinese character for "Woo" is 吴 (Wú), and it is one of the most frequent ...

Wood lock (Last name)

surnames > wood-lock

The surname Woodlock appears to be of English origin and is thought to be derived from the combination of the Old English elements "wudu" meaning "wood" and "lacu" meaning "enclosu...

Wooden works (Last name)

surnames > wooden-works

The last name "Woodenworks" likely originated from England, where surnames were often derived from an individual's occupation or the place they lived. In this case, "wooden works" ...

Woodlfoors (Last name)

surnames > woodlfoors

The last name "Woodloors" likely originated as a variation or combination of the words "wood" and "floors," possibly indicating a historical association with the flooring industry ...

Woodpeckerz (Last name)

surnames > woodpeckerz

No data available.

Woolat (Last name)

surnames > woolat

The last name Woolat is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Wulfric, meaning "wolf power," combined with the suffix "-t," denoting a descendant or f...

Woollams (Last name)

surnames > woollams

The surname Woollams is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Wulfhelm," which means "wolf" and "helmet." Over time, the name evolved to Woollams.

Woolls (Last name)

surnames > woolls

The last name "Woolls" is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "wolle," meaning a person who works with wool or a wool merchant. The name likely originated...

Woolmer (Last name)

surnames > woolmer

The last name Woolmer is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "wulfmær", which means "wolf famous". It is believed to have been a nickname given to someone w...

Woops (Last name)

surnames > woops

The origin of the last name "Woops" is unclear. It is not a common surname and may have various origins or meanings depending on the individual or family who carries the name.

Woork shop (Last name)

surnames > woork-shop

The last name "Workshop" is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "weorc" meaning work, and the Old English word "sceoppa" meaning shop or trade. It is a surname tha...

Woozworld (Last name)

surnames > woozworld

The last name "Woozworld" does not have a specific origin as it appears to be a fictional or made-up name. It does not correspond to any known language or culture.