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.
Woodard, Woodman, Woodworth
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 a celebrated American actress known for her nuanced portrayals of complex women. She won an Academy Award for her role in "The Three Faces of Eve" and worked closely with her husband, actor Paul Newman. Woodward is the oldest living winner of the Best Actress Oscar at 95.
Shannon Woodward
Shannon Marie Woodward is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like "Raising Hope" and "Westworld." She also voiced a character in the video game "The Last of Us Part II." Woodward came out as queer in February 2021.
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