Greenwood Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Greenwood come from? What does the surname Greenwood mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Greenwood and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Greenwood Origin: What does the last name Greenwood mean?
Greenwood is a British surname originating from the settlement near Heptonstall in West Yorkshire. It was the homestead of Wyomarus de Greenwode, believed to be the main ancestor of British Greenwoods, with some claiming French descent. The surname first appeared in England in the early 15th century, spreading globally by the 17th century. In the United States, it became more prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries, surpassing the frequency found in England during these periods. Today, the Greenwood surname can be found in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and various European countries.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Greenwood surname in the United Kingdom since the early 15th century, with significant growth in the United States by the 17th century. The surname has a global reach, appearing in countries like India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, France, and Nigeria, among others. This surname reflects a rich heritage and has evolved across different regions and cultures over the centuries.
Greenwood Last Name History: Where did the last name Greenwood come from?
Origin of Greenwood Surname: Where does the last name Greenwood originate from?
Based on the records in our YourRoots database, the surname Greenwood first appeared in England, around the early 15th century. It's crucial to remember that this data only reflects the specific "Greenwood" spelling within the YourRoots database and may not include other variations of the surname or sources of records.
History of the Last Name Greenwood: What does the Greenwood surname history look like in the early days?
The Greenwood surname was strongly present in England from the 15th through the 16th century. However, by the 17th century, the volume of records for the Greenwood family began to grow significantly in the United States. This trend indicates that the Greenwood family started to spread globally around this time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Greenwood surname today?
The Greenwood surname had a prominent presence in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, surpassing the frequency found in England during these periods. By the 20th century, the Greenwood surname was most prevalent in the United States, according to the YourRoots database. Today, the Greenwood surname can be found in a variety of countries, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and various countries in Europe.
Explore Greenwood last name heritage and Greenwood surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Greenwood Surame?
Bruce Greenwood
Stuart Bruce Greenwood (born Aug 12, 1956) is a Canadian actor known for his roles in various films and television series. He has portrayed iconic figures like John F. Kennedy and Captain Christopher Pike in the Star Trek reboot series. Greenwood has also lent his voice to Batman in animated films and series. With a career spanning decades, he has appeared in a wide range of genres, from horror thrillers to historical dramas. Alongside his acting career, Greenwood has received critical acclaim for his performances and continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Mason Greenwood
Mason Will John Greenwood (born 1 Oct 2001) is an English professional footballer known for his time at Manchester United and his current stint at Marseille in Ligue 1. Greenwood rose to fame as the club's youngest-ever goalscorer in European competition at just 17 years old. Despite some legal troubles early in his career, Greenwood has continued to excel on the field, showcasing his talent and potential as a forward. With a bright future ahead, Greenwood remains a promising young talent in the world of football.
Jonny Greenwood
Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood (born 5 Nov 1971) is an English musician known for his role as the lead guitarist and keyboardist of the band Radiohead. He is also a talented composer, having scored numerous films and worked with acclaimed directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Jane Campion. Greenwood is recognized for his innovative use of electronic techniques and his mastery of various instruments, including the ondes Martenot. His contributions to music have earned him critical acclaim and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Radiohead.
Kerry Greenwood
Kerry Isabelle Greenwood (June 17, 1954 – March 26, 2025) was an Australian author and lawyer best known for creating the character Phryne Fisher in a series of historical detective novels. Her work was adapted into the popular TV series "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries." Greenwood also wrote mysteries, science-fiction, historical fiction, children's stories, and plays. She received the Australian women's crime fiction Davitt Award in 2002 for her young adult novel "The Three-Pronged Dagger." In addition to her writing, Greenwood worked as a criminal defense lawyer before transitioning to full-time writing. She passed away at the age of 70.
Colin Greenwood
Colin Charles Greenwood (born 26 Jun 1969) is an English bassist known for his role in the rock band Radiohead. Alongside his brother Jonny Greenwood, they formed Radiohead while attending Abingdon School in England. Colin's bass skills have contributed to Radiohead's success, selling over 30 million albums worldwide. Beyond music, he has collaborated with various artists, published a book of photographs of Radiohead, and remains an influential figure in the music industry. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, Greenwood continues to inspire fans with his unique style and musical talent.
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