Last Name Woodruff

The surname Woodruff is of English origin, derived from an occupational name for a woodworker, Middle English "wod(e)" meaning "wood" and "ruf" meaning "red." It may have also been a nickname for a ruddy-complexioned person. This name was common among the Normans who invaded England in 1066. The spelling variations of the surname include Woodroff, Woodruffe, Woodriff, and others, which have emerged due to the regional dialects and scribal errors over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Woodruff

The meaning and origin of the last name Woodruff

The surname Woodruff is an Anglo-Saxon name of Old English origin, derived from two elements: "wudu" meaning "wood" or "tree," and "raf" meaning "rough." It is thought that the name may have been given to someone who lived near a wooded area with rough terrain. The name Woodruff is primarily found in England but has also spread to other English-speaking countries due to migration and colonization. Notable individuals with the surname Woodruff include American baseball player Hank Aaron, former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle, and jazz musician Mose Allison. The name Woodruff is a unique and historic surname that reflects its Anglo-Saxon origins and has been carried by many notable individuals throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Woodruff

The surname Woodruff is predominantly distributed across several English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and England, due to its historical roots in these regions. In the United States, it is most concentrated in the Southern and Midwestern states, such as Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Indiana, where it originated among early settlers. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec have a notable number of people with the surname Woodruff. In England, it is commonly found in the West Country, particularly in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, reflecting its Anglo-Saxon origins. The name has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration, notably Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Woodruff

The surname Woodruff has several variants and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variations include Woodroffe, Woodrof, Woodrove, Woodriff, and Woodriffe. Additionally, there are regional differences such as Woodruffe in Cornwall, England, and Woodruffey or Woodruffy in Scotland. In American genealogy, the spelling may also be found as Oodroof, Wudruff, and Woodraf. The name is of Old English origin, derived from "wudu" meaning "wood" and "hreow" meaning "growth" or "peace", thus signifying a peaceful or wooded clearing.

Famous people with the last name Woodruff

Notable individuals with the surname Woodruff include:

1. John Thomas Scopes (originally named John Woodruff), an American high school teacher who was famously tried for the unlawful teaching of evolution in the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925.

2. Hank Woodruff, a noted American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist, known for his work with Duke Ellington's orchestra in the 1940s.

3. Charles Richard Drew (often referred to by his middle name), an African-American physician and medical researcher, considered the "Father of Blood Banks" for his crucial role in establishing blood plasma storage.

4. Lorraine Warren, born Lorraine Moran and later adopted the surname Woodruff, a self-proclaimed psychic medium who, along with her late husband Ed Warren, was involved in investigating and publicizing cases of paranormal activity.

5. Randy Woodruff, an American football player who played as a defensive end for several National Football League (NFL) teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys.

Genealogical research on the last name Woodruff

The surname Woodruff is of Old English origin, derived from the terms "wudu" meaning "wood" and "hrūf" meaning "protection" or "refuge." This name was likely originally a topographical name for someone who lived near a wooded area or a nickname for someone who sought protection or refuge in such an area.

The Woodruff family has been traced back to early England, with the earliest recorded mention of the name dating to the 13th century. Some notable individuals bearing this surname include Thomas Woodruff, a Member of Parliament from Essex, England in the 14th century; and William Woodruff, an early American settler who arrived in Virginia in the late 17th century.

The name spread to America primarily through the migration of English colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, Woodruff is a relatively common surname in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. Notable modern-day figures with this surname include American actor John Woodruff and Canadian ice hockey player Matt Woodruff.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Woodruff"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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