Wood Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wood come from? What does the surname Wood mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wood and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wood Origin: What does the last name Wood mean?
The surname Wood is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word wode, meaning "wood." It was commonly used as a topographic name to describe someone who lived or worked in a wood or forest. Variations of the name include Woodd, Woode, Woods, Wod, and Wode. The surname Wood is one of the most common surnames in countries with historical ties to Great Britain, such as England, Wales, Scotland, and the United States.
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wood has been present in the United Kingdom since the early 13th century and began to gain popularity in the United States from the 16th century onwards. Today, the Wood surname is not only prevalent in the United States and the United Kingdom but also globally, with appearances in various countries around the world. This surname reflects a connection to woodlands and forests, as well as the diverse occupations and origins of individuals who bear the name.
Wood Last Name History: Where did the last name Wood come from?
Origin of Wood Surname: Where does the last name Wood originate from?
The earliest record of the surname Wood, according to our YourRoots database, can be traced back to England in the United Kingdom around the early 13th century. It's important to note that this only reflects YourRoots data for the exact ‚Äö"Wood" spelling and does not account for other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Wood: What does the Wood surname history look like in the early days?
The surname Wood, as per YourRoots data, initially found its roots in the United Kingdom, specifically in England, where it showed a consistent presence from the 13th to the 15th century. The Wood surname then began to show an increasing frequency in the United States, starting from the 16th century onwards.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wood surname today?
The Wood surname saw a significant surge in frequency across the United States from the 16th century onwards, and by the 17th century, the volume of records in the United States had surpassed that of the United Kingdom. This trend continued well into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Wood surname is prominent not only in the United States and the United Kingdom but also worldwide, with appearances in numerous other countries.
Explore Wood last name heritage and Wood surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wood Surame?
Natalie Wood
Natalie Wood (née Zacharenko; July 20, 1938 – November 29, 1981) was an iconic American actress known for her roles in classic films like "West Side Story" and "Rebel Without a Cause." Starting her career at a young age, Wood received multiple Academy Award nominations and charmed audiences with her performances in musicals and dramas. Her life and tragic death have remained a subject of interest and speculation, making her a legendary figure in Hollywood history.
Evan Rachel Wood
Evan Rachel Wood (Sep 7, 1987 - ) is an American actress known for her versatile roles in television and film. She gained recognition for her Golden Globe-nominated performance in the drama film "Thirteen" (2003) and continued to impress audiences with roles in "The Wrestler" (2008) and "Westworld" (2016-2022). Wood's talent has earned her multiple award nominations, including Critics' Choice Television Awards and Golden Globe Awards. With a strong presence in both independent and mainstream projects, she has showcased her acting range across various genres and platforms.
Lana Wood
Lana Wood (Svetlana Lisa Gurdin; March 1, 1946) is an American actress and producer known for her roles in "Peyton Place" and "Diamonds Are Forever." She made her film debut in "The Searchers" and later appeared in over 20 films and 300 TV series. Lana is the younger sister of the iconic actress Natalie Wood. With a career spanning from the 1960s to the present, Lana has also written memoirs and returned to acting in recent years.
Jacqueline MacInnes Wood
Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (April 17, 1987 - ) is a Canadian actress, musician, model, and television personality best known for her role as Steffy Forrester Finnegan on the CBS soap opera *The Bold and the Beautiful*. She has won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series multiple times. Wood has also appeared in films like *Final Destination 5* and TV series such as *Arrow*. With a diverse ancestry including Cree, Scottish, French, and Brazilian roots, Wood has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry with her versatile talents.
Roy Wood
Roy Wood (November 8, 1947) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter known for his work with bands like the Move, Electric Light Orchestra, and Wizzard. He co-founded ELO with Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan, contributing hits like "Flowers in the Rain". Wood later formed Wizzard and had chart-topping songs including "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day". Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, Wood's musical career spanned multiple genres and decades, solidifying his place in music history.
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