Woodruff is a unique and uncommon male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "wudu-hrycg," which means "wood hill." The name has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history, including Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States.
The name Woodruff has been passed down through generations, with many variations in spelling and pronunciation. Some popular spellings include Woodrough, Woodrove, and Woodrufe. Despite its unique sound, the name does not have any specific meaning or symbolism associated with it beyond its original Old English meaning of "wood hill."
One interesting aspect of the name Woodruff is its connection to the flowering plant known as the woodruff (also called wild strawberry leaf). The plant is named after Anthony Woodruff, an 18th-century English botanist who was known for his work in classifying plants. While there is no direct link between the name and the plant, it is a unique association that adds to the intrigue of this uncommon name.
Overall, Woodruff is a distinctive and historic male given name with a rich history and an intriguing connection to nature. While it may not have any specific personality traits or celebrations associated with it, its unique sound and English origins make it a memorable choice for parents looking for something different for their son.
The name Woodruff has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 147 births recorded between 1912 and 1959.
In the early decades, there was a noticeable fluctuation in the number of babies named Woodruff each year. The peak occurred in 1917 with 18 births, followed by a significant drop to 6 births in 1921. However, the name maintained some level of popularity throughout this period, with annual births ranging between 5 and 13.
After a brief decline in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the name Woodruff started to regain traction from the mid-1930s onwards. There were consistent birth records each year until 1959, with totals ranging between 5 and 7 births annually during this time.
Despite its ups and downs in popularity over these years, the name Woodruff has left a notable mark on American naming trends of the early to mid-20th century.