WOODARD
Woodard
The surname Woodard is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "weard" meaning "guard". The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a guardian of the woods or a forest warden.
The Woodard surname is found predominantly in England, particularly in regions where woodland or forests were prominent features. Over time, families with the Woodard surname spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variant spellings of the surname Woodard include Woodward, Woodwards, and Woodart. The Woodard family coat of arms typically features symbols such as trees, a shield, or other elements associated with forests and protection.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Woodard include actors Alfre Woodard and Charlayne Woodard, as well as academic and author Sir Herbert Woodard.
The surname Woodard continues to be passed down through generations, connecting modern-day individuals to their English heritage and the historical significance of woodlands and guardianship.
There are approximately 1,027 people named Woodard in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,216th most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named Woodard.
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Neil
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Ann
- Audrey
- Cheryl
- Christine
- Diane
- Emma
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Julie
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.