Wood Hite, also known as Robert Woodson "Wood" Hite, was an outlaw and a member of the infamous James-Younger gang, alongside his cousins Frank and Jesse James. Born around 1850 in Logan, Kentucky, Hite's association with the James brothers led him to a life of crime, participating in numerous robberies and other criminal activities. He fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War before joining the James-Younger gang after their failed Northfield Minnesota raid in 1876. Described as a tall man with distinct physical features, Hite was recognized for his involvement in the gang's activities and was forced into hiding. His criminal career was marked by violence, including the shooting and killing of John Tabor, for which he was arrested and later escaped from jail. Hite met his end in a gunfight with Dick Liddil and Robert Ford in 1881, which ultimately led to the events culminating in the killing of Jesse James by Ford. Hite's portrayal in the 2007 movie "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" featured actor Jeremy Renner. His dramatic life and criminal activities continue to be a subject of fascination and historical intrigue.

The Wood surname is widely spread, especially in countries with historical ties to Great Britain. Its origin can be traced back to the Middle English wode, derived from the Old English wudu, meaning "wood." Initially, the name indicated a person living in or working in a wood or forest. It also appeared in early records Latinised as de Bosco, from the Old French bois, meaning "wood." Another derivation for the surname is from a nickname of an eccentric or violent person, from the Old English wōd, wad, and Middle English wod, wode, all meaning "frenzied" or "wild." Variations of the name include Woodd, Woode, Woods, Wod, and Wode. The element "wood" occurs in a number of surnames, often indicating a place of origin or an occupation. Wood is the 26th most-common surname in England and Wales, the 53rd in Scotland, and the 78th in the United States. The name "Wald" is the equivalent in German, and emigrants from German-speaking countries Anglicized this name to Wood when settling in other countries.

Wood is a versatile and widely used natural material derived from the growth of plants, predominantly trees and shrubs. It is integral to various aspects of life, from construction and furniture making to music and entertainment. In addition to its physical presence, "Wood" also encompasses numerous locations in the United States and around the world, including communities, towns, and parks. The name "Wood" is associated with a variety of people, such as English cricketers and military officers. Furthermore, "Wood" is prevalent in the arts, featuring in album titles, songs, and even a 1999 coming of age film. The term also extends to the maritime domain, with multiple ships bearing the name "USS Wood." Moreover, it is linked to diverse fields, including lunar geography, music festivals, and environmental gatherings. Whether denoting a material, a place, a person, or a cultural reference, "Wood" holds significance across a wide array of contexts, making it a multifaceted and influential element in various spheres of life.