Origin & Meaning of the Atwood Surname
What does the last name Atwood mean?
The surname Atwood carries the meaning "From a woodland area." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 17,112 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Atwood ranks as the #2,114 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Atwood come from?
The Atwood surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Atwood name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Atwood trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Atwood |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a woodland area |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,114 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,112 |
| Per 100K People | 5.8 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Atwood
According to the US Census, the Atwood surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,112 Americans with the Atwood last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.69% |
| Black | 3.82% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.53% |
| Two or More Races | 1.86% |
Popularity of Atwood Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Atwood surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Atwood surname increased by 358 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Atwood Family
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- ✓ The Atwood coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Atwood families live today
- ✓ Notable Atwood bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Atwood
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Atwood.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Atwood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Atwood
Top Surnames Starting with A
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter A, ranked by population.
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