Origin & Meaning of the Kirkwood Surname
What does the last name Kirkwood mean?
The surname Kirkwood 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 8,227 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kirkwood ranks as the #4,320 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kirkwood come from?
The Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kirkwood 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 | Kirkwood |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a woodland area |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,320 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,227 |
| Per 100K People | 2.79 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kirkwood
According to the US Census, the Kirkwood surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,227 Americans with the Kirkwood last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 66.52% |
| Black | 28.36% |
| Hispanic | 1.98% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 2.25% |
Popularity of Kirkwood Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kirkwood surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kirkwood surname increased by 250 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkwood
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