Woodard is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from an Old English surname that was originally given to a person who lived in the woods or worked as a woodcutter. The name is composed of two elements: "wood" meaning forest or trees, and "-ard", which is a suffix denoting someone who works at or comes from a place.
The earliest records of the name Woodard can be traced back to the 13th century in England. In those days, surnames were often adopted based on the person's occupation, location, or physical characteristics. In this case, it appears that the name Woodard was likely given to someone who lived near a forest or worked with wood.
Over time, Woodard has evolved from a surname into a given name, although it is still relatively uncommon compared to other names of English origin. Despite its rarity, Woodard has a certain charm and uniqueness that makes it appealing to those looking for a distinctive name for their child.
In terms of meaning, Woodard carries with it connotations of nature, strength, and perhaps even durability, given the robust quality of wood. It is also associated with craftsmanship and skill, as woodworkers throughout history have been highly regarded for their abilities.
While there may not be any famous historical figures or well-known celebrities named Woodard, this unique name has a rich history and meaningful origin that makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking something distinctive for their child.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Woodard in the United States between the years 1911 and 1958. During this period, there were a total of 283 babies named Woodard.
The name's popularity fluctuated over these decades, reaching its peak in 1920 with 18 births that year. However, it is important to note that overall, the name Woodard was not extremely common during this timeframe. The highest number of births in a single year represented only about 0.0007% of all births in the United States that year.
The data shows two periods where the name Woodard had more frequent occurrences: from 1913 to 1924, with an average of 10 births per year, and again from 1945 to 1954, with an average of 8 births per year. However, there were also several years with very few or no Woodard births at all.
These statistics highlight the relative rarity of the name Woodard throughout these decades in the United States, while still providing insight into its fluctuation in popularity over time.