Last Name Woodworth

The surname Woodworth is of Old English origin, derived from the terms "wudu" meaning "wood" and "weorð" meaning "enclosure," so it originally referred to someone who lived near or within an enclosed area of woodland. The name was brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066 and has since been found in various regions, including Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Woodworth

The meaning and origin of the last name Woodworth

The surname Woodworth is an English occupational name derived from Old English elements "wudu" meaning "wood" or "tree" and "weorð" meaning "enclosure" or "work." Originally, it was likely used as a nickname for someone who lived near a wooded area or worked with trees. Over time, the surname spread throughout England and later immigrated to North America, particularly to the United States. Notable individuals with the name Woodworth include American inventor Elisha Collier Woodworth, who patented several improvements for the sewing machine, and American author Henry Woodworth Reed, known for his works on education.

Geographical distribution of the last name Woodworth

The surname Woodworth is primarily distributed across North America, specifically in the United States and Canada. It originates from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "worthy," denoting someone who lived by a wood or forest clearing. In the U.S., it is most prevalent in states like New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, likely due to early European settlement patterns. In Canada, Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia have significant populations with the last name Woodworth. The surname can also be found in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries, such as England, Australia, and New Zealand, where it may have been carried by immigrants from the United States or Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Woodworth

The surname Woodworth has several variations and spellings, mostly due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include Woodworther, Woodworths, Woodworthie, Woodworthe, Woodwurth, Woodworths-Watson, and Woodworth-Mason. These variations may arise from slight misspellings or the addition of suffixes such as '-s' indicating a plural form, or '-e' or '-ie' used for gentilicial names. In genealogy research, it is essential to consider these variations to ensure accurate family tree reconstruction.

Famous people with the last name Woodworth

Notable individuals bearing the surname Woodworth include:

1. John Milton Woodworth (1826-1909), a Union general during the American Civil War who played a key role in the Battle of Gettysburg. He was the first president of the United States' National Rifle Association.

2. Charles Woodworth (1864-1948), an American botanist, curator at New York Botanical Garden, and co-founder of the American Society of Plant Taxonomists.

3. James Woodworth (1870-1957), a Canadian politician who served as the fourth Prime Minister of Saskatchewan from 1929 to 1934.

4. Robert J. Woodworth (1869-1962), an American psychologist known for his work in educational psychology, including the development of the Woodworth Personal Data Sheet, a personality test.

5. Elisabeth Woodworth-Bridge (1873-1947), an English author and occultist who was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as military leadership, botany, politics, psychology, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Woodworth

The surname Woodworth is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name "Wuduweard" or "Wudaweard," composed of the elements "wudu-" (wood) and "-weard" (guardian). The name is believed to have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a wood or forest, or possibly an occupational name for a woodworker.

The Woodworth family can be traced back to the 13th century in England. Early records show William Wudeuard mentioned in Oxfordshire in 1275 and Robert Wudaweard in Yorkshire in 1306. The spelling of the name evolved over time, including forms like Wodeward, Woodwyrd, and Woodworth.

Some notable individuals with the surname Woodworth include Samuel Woodworth, an American poet; John Woodworth, a prominent Quaker leader; and Florence Nightingale Woodworth, an American painter and the niece of the famous nurse Florence Nightingale. The Woodworth family also has significant history in the United States, particularly in New England and New York.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Woodworth"
• 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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