Wood is an unconventional yet intriguing given name of English origin. It is derived from the common noun 'wood', which refers to a collection of trees and plants growing in a particular area. The name Wood is often chosen for its literal and metaphorical meanings, as well as its association with nature.
The earliest known use of Wood as a personal name dates back to medieval England, where it was occasionally used as a surname before evolving into a given name. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that Wood began to be used more frequently as a first name, particularly in the United States.
One notable figure with the name Wood is American actor and filmmaker Woody Allen, born Allan Stewart Konigsberg in 1935. He adopted the stage name 'Woody' early on in his career, which later became his legal given name. Although Allen's success may have contributed to the increased popularity of the name Wood in recent decades, it was already being used as a given name prior to his fame.
Today, Wood continues to be a unique and distinctive given name, often chosen by parents seeking an unconventional yet meaningful name for their child. It is also sometimes used as a middle name or a surname. While it may not be one of the most popular names, its association with nature and its historical significance make it an appealing choice for those looking for something different.
In summary, Wood is an English given name derived from the common noun 'wood'. Its use as a personal name dates back to medieval England, but it wasn't until the late 19th century that it began to be used more frequently. Today, Wood is a unique and distinctive name often chosen for its literal and metaphorical meanings associated with nature.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Wood has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over time in the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Wood was given to between five and fifteen babies per year, with peaks in popularity occurring around the years 1914 (15 births) and 1925 (13 births). However, it's worth noting that these figures represent annual totals, and population sizes have changed significantly over this time period.
The name Wood seemed to fall out of favor in the mid-20th century, with fewer than ten babies being named Wood each year between 1947 and 1954. However, it experienced a resurgence in popularity during the early 1990s (five births) and most recently, in 2021 to 2023, when there were six, eight, and sixteen births respectively.
While these statistics do not provide enough data to determine whether Wood is currently trending upwards or downwards in terms of popularity, they demonstrate that the name has had periods of both prominence and obscurity over time. It's always fascinating to observe how naming trends evolve throughout history!