Heywood

Heywood is a surname of English origin, most commonly found in the United Kingdom. The name is locational, originating from various places called Heywood throughout England. These places include Heywood in Greater Manchester, Heywood in Norfolk, Heywood in Wiltshire, and Heywood in Derbyshire.

The etymology of the surname is believed to be derived from the Old English words "heg" meaning "hay" and "wudu" meaning "wood", reflecting the rural origins of the name. The name likely denoted someone who lived near or in a wooded area where hay was grown or collected.

The Heywood family name has ancient roots in England, with records dating back to the Middle Ages, making it a surname with a rich history. The name has spread over the centuries across the country and beyond, particularly to former British colonies.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Heywood include Thomas Heywood, a prominent English playwright and author in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, known for works such as "A Woman Killed with Kindness" and "The Fair Maid of the West."

Today, the Heywood surname continues to be found in the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world where British migration has occurred. It represents a connection to England's past and a legacy that has endured through generations.

There are approximately 8,362 people named Heywood in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,131st most common surname in Britain. Around 128 in a million people in Britain are named Heywood.

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
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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