GREENWOOD
Greenwood
Origin and Meaning:
Greenwood is a British surname of Old English origin, derived from the words grene and wudu, meaning "green wood." The surname was likely given to those who lived by or worked in a green forest or wood.
History:
The surname Greenwood can be traced back to medieval England, with records showing its usage as early as the 13th century. Families bearing the Greenwood name were often found in areas with dense woodlands, such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Nottinghamshire.
Notable Individuals:
- John Greenwood (1941–2015): British journalist and author known for his work in investigative journalism and writing on social issues.
- Sally Greenwood (b. 1980): British actress recognized for her performances in various stage productions and television shows.
- Sir Peter Greenwood (1925–2008): British entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for his contributions to various charitable causes.
Modern Distribution:
Today, the surname Greenwood is still prevalent in the United Kingdom and can also be found in countries with British colonial ties, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many individuals with the surname Greenwood have excelled in various fields, including academia, sports, and the arts.
Coat of Arms:
The coat of arms associated with the Greenwood surname typically features symbols associated with nature, such as trees or leaves, reflecting the origin of the name. However, individual coats of arms may vary depending on specific family lineages.
Variants:
Variants of the Greenwood surname include variations in spelling such as Greenwode and Grenwood, as well as Anglicized versions like Greenhill or Greenfield.
In conclusion, the surname Greenwood has a rich history rooted in the English countryside and continues to be an enduring symbol of the connection between individuals and nature.
There are approximately 28,574 people named Greenwood in the UK. That makes it the 283rd most common surname in Britain. Around 439 in a million people in Britain are named Greenwood.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.