Woodward Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Woodward come from? What does the surname Woodward mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Woodward and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Woodward Origin: What does the last name Woodward mean?
The Woodward surname has a rich history originating in the United Kingdom around the early 11th century. Derived from Old English, it is believed to have been an occupational name for those who worked with wood. Over time, the Woodward surname became increasingly prevalent in the United States, surpassing its frequency in the UK by the 17th century. Today, the Woodward surname is most commonly found in the United States, with a significant presence in other countries as well.
According to YourRoots data, the Woodward surname has a strong association with the United Kingdom, where it first appeared in records dating back to the 11th century. As the centuries passed, the surname spread to various countries, with a notable increase in the United States by the 16th century. This global spread of the Woodward surname signifies its enduring legacy and widespread presence across different regions and cultures.
Woodward Last Name History: Where did the last name Woodward come from?
Origin of Woodward Surname: Where does the last name Woodward originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Woodward first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 11th century. This indicates that the origin of the Woodward surname, as per our records, is from the United Kingdom.
History of the Last Name Woodward: What does the Woodward surname history look like in the early days?
The YourRoots data suggests that the "Woodward" surname retained a strong association with the United Kingdom from the 11th through the 15th century. However, by the 16th century, the volume of Woodward family records began to grow substantially in the United States, surpassing the frequency in the United Kingdom by the 17th century.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Woodward surname today?
With the onset of the 16th century, the volume of records with the Woodward surname in the United States saw a significant increase. This growth continued well into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the "Woodward" surname is most frequently found in the United States, according to our YourRoots data but it is also prevalent in many other countries around the world.
Explore Woodward last name heritage and Woodward surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Woodward Surame?
Joanne Woodward
Joanne Gignilliat Trimmier Woodward (born Feb 27, 1930) is an American retired actress known for her nuanced portrayals of complex women. She won an Academy Award for playing a character with dissociative identity disorder in "The Three Faces of Eve" (1957). Woodward also earned three Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. She's famous for her collaborations with actor Paul Newman, her husband until his death, in films and on stage. Woodward continued acting into her later years and is the oldest living winner of the Best Actress Academy Award, still revered for her talent and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Bob Woodward
Robert Upshur Woodward (born Mar 26, 1943) is an American investigative journalist best known for his reporting on the Watergate scandal that led to President Richard Nixon's resignation. Woodward, along with Carl Bernstein, worked for The Washington Post and their book "All the President's Men" became a bestseller and a movie. Woodward has written numerous books on American politics and current affairs, many of which have become best-sellers. His work is highly regarded in the field of journalism, and he continues to be a prominent figure in media and investigative reporting.
Shannon Woodward
Shannon Marie Woodward is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like "Raising Hope" and "Westworld," as well as her voice work in the video game "The Last of Us Part II." Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Woodward has appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing her talent and versatility in acting. She has also been open about her identity, coming out as queer in February 2021. With a strong presence in both TV and gaming, Woodward continues to captivate audiences with her performances and remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Keren Woodward
Keren Jane Woodward (born 2 Apr 1961) is an English singer/songwriter known for being a founding member of the iconic girl group Bananarama. Alongside Sara Dallin, Woodward achieved chart-topping success, including a number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 with their rendition of "Venus". With over 40 years in the music industry, Woodward continues to inspire fans with her talent and timeless music. Outside of her music career, she has had notable relationships and remains a beloved figure in pop culture.
Edward Woodward
Edward Albert Arthur Woodward (1 Jun 1930 – 16 Nov 2009) was an English actor known for his roles in various stage productions, British TV dramas, and Hollywood films. He gained fame as Police Sergeant Neil Howie in "The Wicker Man" and as ex-secret agent Robert McCall in "The Equalizer" TV series. Woodward's career spanned from the West End to Broadway, earning him accolades like the British Academy Television Award and the Golden Globe. His versatility and talent left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, solidifying him as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
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