WOODWARD
Also recorded as Wood Ward, Wood-Ward
Woodward
Woodward is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "weard" meaning "guardian" or "keeper". The name originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked in or lived near a wood, or was responsible for the management and upkeep of woodland areas.
The first recorded instance of the Woodward surname dates back to the 12th century in England. Over time, the surname spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, carried by English settlers to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable individuals bearing the Woodward surname include Sir William Woodward, an English judge and politician in the 16th century, and Bob Woodward, the renowned American journalist known for his investigative reporting on the Watergate scandal.
The Woodward family crest features elements such as trees, stags, and other woodland motifs, reflecting the surname's association with woodlands and guardianship.
Today, the Woodward surname continues to be found in various English-speaking countries, with descendants of the original Woodward families contributing to a wide range of professions and fields.
In conclusion, the Woodward surname holds a rich history rooted in the English landscape and serves as a reminder of the importance of nature and stewardship in the ancestral origins of those who bear the name.
There are approximately 29,704 people named Woodward in the UK. That makes it the 272nd most common surname in Britain. Around 456 in a million people in Britain are named Woodward.
Surname type: Occupational name
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
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Joan
- Joanne
- 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.