Surname Woodward - Meaning and Origin
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Decoding the Woodward Legacy: Unexpected Ancestral Insights from a DNA Test
Our ancestry can dramatically impact our self-understanding in ways we never realize. The report discusses how a DNA test has helped reveal unexpected insights about my Woodward ancestors, leading to a transformative understanding of my personal identity and heritage.
Q. Woodward
read moreWoodward: What does the surname Woodward mean?
The last name Woodward is believed to have originated from the Middle Ages and is of English origin. The name is derived from the Old English words ‘wood’, meaning ‘woodland’ or ‘forest’, and ‘ward’, meaning ‘guard’ or ‘protector’. It is thus thought to originally denote someone who was a keeper of the forest or an overseer of the woodland.
During the medieval period, the name became fairly common amongst England’s Norman and Saxon classes. It was particularly frequent in the counties of Wiltshire and Worcestershire, the regions which were closest to the New Forest area.
As time went on, the name spread throughout the neighbouring shires and beyond and soon became present all over England. The ancient town of Woodford, located in the Northamptonshire region, is believed to be the origin of many of those who adopted the name and it is still prevalent today.
The various spellings of the name that now exist, such as Woodard and Woodword, further attest to the name’s popularity and longevity.
The name Woodward now emphasizes a strong connection to nature, as well as a penchant for looking after and protecting the land. Those who bear the name share a proud heritage linked to the forests and woodlands of England, and are blessed with a determination and ambition that lead to great successes.
Order DNA origin analysisWoodward: Where does the name Woodward come from?
The last name Woodward is most commonly found in the United States. It has a long history in America, with the first Woodwards appearing in colonial Virginia in the early 1600s. Today, the name is most prevalent in the South and Midwest regions. According to the U.S. Census data for 2019, the states with the most people with the last name Woodward include Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
Migration has also spread this surname throughout the country. According to the data, about half of the Woodwards now living in the United States originally came from a different state. Of those individuals, the majority left the South and the Midwest and headed West, stretching the last name even further across the country.
Outside of the United States, the name has also spread to Canada and England. It is more common in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and the name is much more rare in England. Additionally, Woodwards can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, and The Netherlands.
Variations of the surname Woodward
The surname Woodward is a patronymic surname with ancient Anglo-Saxon origins. It originates from two Old English words: wode and werde, which mean ‘wood’ and ‘guard’ respectively. This name was given to someone who lived and worked as a forest keeper or guard in a wooded area.
Variant spellings of the surname Woodward include Woodard, Woodward, Woodwort, Woodwart, and Woodword. The same name is also found in other countries, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where the surname Woodwart is commonly found.
The surname Woodward is also associated with several variants of spelling, such as Wooden, Woodin, Wooward, Wodeard, Woodinder and Wodward. These were commonly found in the 16th century in Lancashire, England.
There are also variants of surnames which are derived from the Woodward surname. These include Atwood, Underwood, Goodwood and Deanswood. The names Atwood and Underwood come from the Middle English word for “at the wood,” meaning someone who lived or worked near the woods. Goodwood and Deanswood are variations on the surname Woodward, with the first two words indicating a ‘good’ or excellent guardian of the woods, and the third word referring to someone who held the office of Dean in the woods.
In conclusion, there are many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the Woodward surname. These have their roots in the early Anglo-Saxon and Middle English language. In addition, there are also surnames that are derived from the Woodward surname, including Atwood, Underwood, Goodwood and Deanswood.
Famous people with the name Woodward
- Bob Woodward: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, won his fame for his involvement in the investigation that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
- Alexander Woodward: American Major League Baseball player, who played for the St. Louis Cardinals in the late 19th century.
- Edward Woodward: English actor, who is best remembered for his starring roles in the BBC television seriesCallan,The Equalizer and certain films such as Breakheart Pass and The Wicker Man.
- Ruth Woodward: British television presenter and journalist, best known for her work on the BBC's Panorama series.
- Stephen Woodward: American painter best known for his depictions of rural landscapes in the early years of the 20th century.
- David Woodward: English astronomer and science historian, who served as president of the British Astronomical Association for many years.
- Sam Woodward: American student and murder suspect in the case of Blaze Bernstein, an American college student who was found stabbed to death in a California park in 2018.
- William Woodward: American banker and businessman, who became one of the country's wealthiest men in the mid-20th century.
- Woody Woodward: Former executive vice president and general manager of Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners.
- Steve Woodward: Former Major League Baseball pitcher, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants.