Origin & Meaning of the Woodson Surname
What does the last name Woodson mean?
The surname Woodson carries the meaning "Son of 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 17,242 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Woodson ranks as the #2,098 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Woodson come from?
The Woodson 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 Woodson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Woodson 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 | Woodson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Wood |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,098 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,242 |
| Per 100K People | 5.85 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Woodson
According to the US Census, the Woodson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,242 Americans with the Woodson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 39.81% |
| Black | 54.01% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.34% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 3.14% |
Popularity of Woodson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Woodson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Woodson surname increased by 746 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Woodson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Woodson
- ✓ The Woodson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Woodson families live today
- ✓ Notable Woodson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Woodson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Woodson.
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 Woodson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woodson
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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