Woods — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Unknown origin Rank #144 in the US 177,425 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#144
▼ Down 11 since 2000
People in the US
177,425
60.15 per 100K people
Origin
Unknown
Unknown

Origin & Meaning of the Woods Surname

What does the last name Woods mean?

The surname Woods carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 177,425 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Woods ranks as the #144 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Woods come from?

The Woods surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown 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 Woods name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Woods trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

Unknown Unknown

Quick Facts

Surname Woods
Meaning Origin and meaning under research
Origin Unknown
Language Unknown
US Rank (2010) #144
US Count (2010) 177,425
Per 100K People 60.15
First Letter W

Ethnic Distribution of Woods

According to the US Census, the Woods surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 177,425 Americans with the Woods last name.

White 58.3%
Black 35.3%
Hispanic 2.35%
Asian/PI 0.42%
Native American 0.88%
Two+ Races 2.74%
Ethnic distribution of the Woods surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White58.3%
Black35.3%
Hispanic2.35%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.42%
Native American0.88%
Two or More Races2.74%

Popularity of Woods Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Woods surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#133
168,814 people
Down 11
Census 2010
#144
177,425 people

The number of Americans with the Woods surname increased by 8,611 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Woods Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Woods ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Woods

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Woods.

Other Unknown Surnames

Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Woods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Woods

The surname Woods is of Unknown origin. Origin and meaning under research
The surname Woods is ranked #144 in the United States with approximately 177,425 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Origin and meaning under research. The name has Unknown roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Woods surname is distributed as: 58.3% White, 35.3% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Woods ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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