Origin & Meaning of the Woodward Surname
What does the last name Woodward mean?
The surname Woodward carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 36,764 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Woodward ranks as the #944 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Woodward come from?
The Woodward surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Woodward name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Woodward trace back to European. 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 | Woodward |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #944 |
| US Count (2010) | 36,764 |
| Per 100K People | 12.46 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Woodward
According to the US Census, the Woodward surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 36,764 Americans with the Woodward last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.74% |
| Black | 4.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.68% |
| Two or More Races | 1.8% |
Popularity of Woodward Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Woodward surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Woodward surname increased by 522 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Woodward
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