Woodward is a surname of English origin that is derived from the Old English word "wudu-waerde," which means "watchman of the wood." The name was originally given to someone who lived near or worked as a guardian in a woodland area.
The Woodward family can trace its roots back to the Anglo-Saxon period in England, with records of the name appearing as early as the 13th century. Over time, the name has evolved and taken on various spellings such as Woodard, Woodword, and Woodworth.
Today, Woodward is still a popular surname in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is often passed down through generations and remains an enduring symbol of families' deep-rooted history and heritage.
While Woodward is primarily known as a surname, it has also been used as a given name in recent years. Those who bear this name may appreciate its unique origin story and the strength and vigilance that it symbolizes.
Statistics on the given name Woodward show a fluctuating trend in its popularity over the years in the United States. The highest number of births recorded with this name was in 1951, with 13 newborns being named Woodward that year.
The years 1913 to 1927 and then again from 1935 to 1960 saw a consistent but low number of births, ranging between 5 to 14 babies each year. There were some gaps in the data where no births with the name Woodward were recorded.
It is interesting to note that there was a noticeable increase in popularity for the name Woodward around mid-century, with 7 births in both 1943 and 1949, followed by a spike in 1951. However, this trend did not continue into the following decades as the number of births dropped back down to single digits after 1951.
In total, there were 205 babies named Woodward born in the United States over the span of these years. While it was never a highly popular name, it has maintained a steady presence throughout much of the 20th century.