Origin & Meaning of the Greenwood Surname
What does the last name Greenwood mean?
The surname Greenwood 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 24,971 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Greenwood ranks as the #1,422 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Greenwood come from?
The Greenwood 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 Greenwood name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Greenwood 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 | Greenwood |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a woodland area |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,422 |
| US Count (2010) | 24,971 |
| Per 100K People | 8.47 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Greenwood
According to the US Census, the Greenwood surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 24,971 Americans with the Greenwood last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.54% |
| Black | 13.59% |
| Hispanic | 2.56% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 0.99% |
| Two or More Races | 1.81% |
Popularity of Greenwood Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Greenwood surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Greenwood surname increased by 670 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Greenwood
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