WOODS
Woods
Woods is a popular British surname that is derived from the Old English word "wudu," meaning forest or woods. The surname is of topographical origin, indicating that the original bearers of the name lived near or in a wooded area.
Origin:
The surname Woods dates back to the early medieval period in England. It is found in various regions across the country, with clusters of Woods families in areas with abundant forested lands. The name may have been used to distinguish individuals who lived in or near a forest, or who worked as woodcutters or foresters.
Variations:
Variations of the surname Woods include Wood, Woode, Wode, and Woddy, among others. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects or phonetic changes over time.
Notable Bearers:
The Woods surname has been carried by several notable individuals throughout history. One prominent figure is Tiger Woods, the renowned American golfer with British and Thai ancestry. Additionally, actor James Woods, known for his work in film and television, has helped bring recognition to the surname in popular culture.
Popularity:
The surname Woods remains a common and well-established family name in the United Kingdom and among the British diaspora worldwide. It often ranks among the top surnames in genealogical records and is frequently encountered in various historical and contemporary contexts.
Coat of Arms:
The Woods family crest typically features symbols associated with nature and trees, reflecting the surname's connection to wooded areas. The coat of arms may include elements such as oak leaves, trees, or other woodland imagery, symbolizing strength, longevity, and natural beauty.
Legacy:
The Woods surname carries a rich legacy rooted in the British landscape and history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of forests and woodlands in shaping British culture and society. Today, individuals with the surname Woods continue to honor their heritage and contribute to the diverse tapestry of British surnames.
There are approximately 45,189 people named Woods in the UK. That makes it the 156th most common surname in Britain. Around 694 in a million people in Britain are named Woods.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Janet
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Attwood
- Atwood
- Wood
- Woode
- Woodis
- Woodie
- Woodes
- Woodd
- Wadas
- Wadds
- Wades
- Wadez
- Wads
- Waites
- Waits
- Waitz
- Wates
- Waties
- Wats
- Watso
- Wattes
- Wattiez
- Wattis
- Watts
- Wattts
- Watz
- Wauds
- Waytes
- Weats
- Weddis
- Weddows
- Weeds
- Weets
- Weetus
- Weids
- Weites
- Weitz
- Weitze
- Wetts
- Wetz
- Whaites
- Whaits
- Whates
- Whats
- Whatts
- Wheates
- Wheats
- Whites
- Whits
- Whittesi
- Whitts
- Widdas
- Widdes
- Widdess
- Widdis
- Widdous
- Widdows
- Widdus
- Widduss
- Wides
- Widows
- Witas
- Wites
- Witos
- Wits
- Wittes
- Witts
- Witz
- Woddis
- Wodds
- Wods
- Wodz
- Wooddisse
- Wooddissee
- Woodess
- Woodey
- Woodice
- Woodiss
- Woodisse
- Woodke
- Woodus
- Woodwis
- Woody
- Woood
- Woots
- Wotts
- Woud
- Wouts
- Wuyts
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.