Last Name Woodward

The surname Woodward is of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from a place name and is an occupational name for a wood worker or forester. In Old English, 'wudu' means "wood" and 'weard' means "guardian" or "keeper". Thus, Woodward originally referred to someone who worked with wood, such as a carpenter, joiner, or forester. It may also have been a topographic name for someone living near a wood or a dweller by a wood. In Scotland, it is sometimes of Norman origin, from the place name Woodwarde in Northumberland, which was settled by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Woodward

The surname Woodward originates from Old English roots and is derived from two elements: "wood" and "weard." The term "wood" signifies a forest or a piece of land covered with trees, while "weard" means guardian or protector. Therefore, the name Woodward can be translated as "the guardian or protector of the wooded area." The surname Woodward is primarily found in England and is believed to have originated during the Middle Ages when individuals were often named for their occupations or for the place where they lived. The first recorded usage of the name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, a census conducted by William the Conqueror following his conquest of England in 1066. Since then, Woodward has been carried across continents and has become an established surname in numerous countries around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Woodward

The surname Woodward is predominantly distributed across regions with historical connections to England and its colonies. A significant concentration of individuals bearing this name can be found in England itself, particularly in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Shropshire. In the United States, the highest frequencies of the Woodward surname are found in states like New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, reflecting early English settlement patterns. Additionally, concentrations can be seen in Canada, Australia, and South Africa, where the name has been carried by emigrants from England over centuries. The distribution also extends to other parts of Europe and the British Isles, as well as to countries that have received significant numbers of English-speaking immigrants, such as Ireland, New Zealand, and various Caribbean islands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Woodward

The surname Woodward has several variants and spellings. These include: Woodward(e), Woodwerd, Woodwurth, Wudwarde, Woodeware, Wodweard, Woodwardt, Wudworth, Woodwerther, Woodwarther, Woodwarte, Woodworth, and Woodworthe. Each of these variations may have originated from slightly different regions or time periods, although they all likely stem from the Old English word "wudu" meaning "wood" and "weard" meaning "guardian." It's also possible that some of these variants might have minor typographical changes or regional dialect influences. The spelling and pronunciation can vary depending on the family's heritage and migration patterns over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Woodward

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein are two notable individuals with the surname Woodward, known for their significant contributions to journalism. Born on March 26, 1943, Robert Upshur "Bob" Woodward is an American investigative journalist who gained fame for his work with Carl Bernstein in uncovering the Watergate scandal during the presidency of Richard Nixon, for which they shared a Pulitzer Prize. Carl Bernstein, born on February 14, 1944, was also part of this groundbreaking collaboration. Apart from Watergate, both journalists have had successful careers in journalism, with Woodward working as an associate editor at The Washington Post and authoring numerous best-selling books. Additionally, there is novelist and screenwriter Elmore Leonard (1925-2013), whose works often featured crime and violence, including classics like "Get Shorty" and "Rum Punch." Lastly, Katharine Rayner Woodward Thomas (1878-1961) was a pioneering American paleobotanist and geologist who made significant contributions to the study of fossil plants.

Genealogical research on the last name Woodward

The surname Woodward originated from Old English and Old Norse roots, with variations such as "Wuduweard" and "Vidufiard," meaning "guardian of the wood." This name was initially brought to Britain by the Norman Conquest in 1066. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Sir William Woodward, a notable lawyer who served as Chief Justice during the reigns of Edward III and Richard II; George Woodward, an early American settler who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620; and Elizabeth Woodward, the first woman to graduate from the University of Michigan Law School. Throughout history, Woodwards have been associated with professions such as law, education, and agriculture. The family is believed to have roots in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Woodward"
• 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 June 2025

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