Underwood Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Underwood come from? What does the surname Underwood mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Underwood and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Underwood Origin: What does the last name Underwood mean?
Underwood is an English surname of topographic origin, stemming from the Old English words "unter" meaning "under" or "below" and "wuda" meaning wood. This combination led to the Saxon expression "unterwuda," signifying one who lived at the foot of a wood or below the trees of a forest. The surname can also be locational, linked to places like Underwood in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, England. The name first appeared in historical records in the 12th century, with individuals like William Underwude and William under the Wode documented in early rolls.
YourRoots data reveals that the Underwood surname has a strong historical association with England, dating back to the early 14th century. While its prevalence remained significant in England through the 15th century, the surname began to spread to the United States by the 16th century, surpassing its frequency in the UK. Today, Underwood can be found globally, with a notable presence in the United States and other countries worldwide. The surname's journey reflects a rich history of English origin and widespread distribution across various regions and cultures.
Underwood Last Name History: Where did the last name Underwood come from?
Origin of Underwood Surname: Where does the last name Underwood originate from?
According to our YourRoots database, the Underwood surname first appears in historical records from England in the early 14th century. Please note that this is based on the exact spelling "Underwood" in the YourRoots database and does not account for other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Underwood: What does the Underwood surname history look like in the early days?
The Underwood surname remained strongly associated with England through the 14th and 15th centuries. However, by the 16th century, the frequency of the Underwood surname began to grow significantly in the United States, surpassing its prevalence in the United Kingdom. This growth trend continued through the 17th and 18th centuries, as evidenced in the YourRoots database.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Underwood surname today?
Today, the Underwood surname has a strong presence globally, particularly in the United States, where it has shown a significant volume of records from the 16th century onwards. The Underwood surname can also be found in many other countries around the world, demonstrating its widespread global reach. However, the greatest volume of Underwood records remains in the United States, according to the latest data from YourRoots.
Explore Underwood last name heritage and Underwood surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Underwood Surame?
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Marie Underwood (March 10, 1983 - ) is an American singer and songwriter who gained fame after winning the fourth season of American Idol. Known for hits like "Before He Cheats" and "Jesus, Take the Wheel," she has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Underwood has won multiple Grammy Awards and holds various records in the country music genre. Apart from her music career, she has delved into fashion and writing, releasing a successful fitness clothing line and a best-selling book.
Michael Underwood
Michael Paul Underwood (born 26 Oct 1975) is an English television presenter known for his work on children's TV shows like CBBC and CITV. He has hosted various programs, including Let Me Entertain You and Real Stories with Ranvir Singh. Underwood has also appeared on Dancing on Ice and worked as an entertainment correspondent for GMTV. In addition to his TV career, he has ventured into radio and teaching. Underwood is married to fellow TV presenter Angellica Bell and has two children.
Blair Underwood
Blair Erwin Underwood (August 25, 1964 - ) is an American actor known for his roles in various TV series and films. He gained fame for playing attorney Jonathan Rollins in the NBC legal drama series "L.A. Law" from 1987 to 1994. Underwood has also appeared in movies like "Just Cause," "Set It Off," and "Deep Impact." His career includes roles in notable TV shows such as "City of Angels," "In Treatment," and "Quantico." Underwood has received multiple award nominations and is recognized for his talent and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Sara Jean Underwood
Sara Jean Underwood (March 26, 1984 - ) is an American model, television host, and actress best known for being chosen as Playmate of the Month for the July 2006 issue of Playboy magazine and later becoming Playmate of the Year in 2007. She has appeared in films like "Epic Movie" and "The House Bunny" and worked as a presenter on shows like "Attack of the Show!" and "The Feed." Underwood is also a yoga enthusiast and has competed in the Ninja Warrior competition. She currently runs a YouTube channel documenting the building of artisanal cabins with her boyfriend.
Kevin Ray Underwood
Kevin Ray Underwood (December 19, 1979 – December 19, 2024) was an American convicted murderer from Purcell, Oklahoma. Underwood gained notoriety for the heinous murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin, where he lured her into his apartment under false pretenses and committed unspeakable acts. His chilling confession revealed his dark fantasies and disturbed mind. After a swift trial, he was sentenced to death, facing multiple appeals due to his mental health conditions. Despite his attempts to avoid the ultimate punishment, Underwood ultimately met his fate on his 45th birthday, marking the end of a disturbing chapter in American crime history.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.