Origin & Meaning of the Wood Surname
What does the last name Wood mean?
The surname Wood carries the meaning "Topographical name for someone who lived in or near a wood." 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 250,715 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wood ranks as the #84 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wood come from?
The Wood 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 Wood name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wood 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 | Wood |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Topographical name for someone who lived in or near a wood |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #84 |
| US Count (2010) | 250,715 |
| Per 100K People | 84.99 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wood
According to the US Census, the Wood surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 250,715 Americans with the Wood last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.72% |
| Black | 5.57% |
| Hispanic | 2.42% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.84% |
| Two or More Races | 1.79% |
Popularity of Wood Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wood surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wood surname increased by 3,416 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Wood Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Wood ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Wood Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Wood Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Wood
- ✓ The Wood coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Wood families live today
- ✓ Notable Wood bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Wood
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wood.
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 Wood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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