Origin & Meaning of the Underwood Surname
What does the last name Underwood mean?
The surname Underwood 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 57,064 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Underwood ranks as the #588 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Underwood come from?
The Underwood 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 Underwood name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Underwood 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 | Underwood |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a woodland area |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #588 |
| US Count (2010) | 57,064 |
| Per 100K People | 19.35 |
| First Letter | U |
Ethnic Distribution of Underwood
According to the US Census, the Underwood surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 57,064 Americans with the Underwood last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.2% |
| Black | 15.03% |
| Hispanic | 2.17% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 1.09% |
| Two or More Races | 2.03% |
Popularity of Underwood Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Underwood surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Underwood surname increased by 1,091 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Underwood
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