Woodson is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from an English surname that was originally an occupational name for a woodcutter or a woodseller. The name is thought to have evolved from the Middle English word 'wodeson', which itself comes from the Old English words 'wudu' meaning 'wood' and '-son' indicating 'son of'.
The name Woodson has been present in American culture for many generations, with early records tracing it back to the colonial era. It is believed to have been brought over by English settlers who arrived in North America during the 17th century. Over time, the name has become more commonly associated with African American families, as it was adopted and popularized by prominent figures such as Alex Haley's fictional character Chicken George in his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Roots".
Despite its origins, Woodson is not particularly common today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never ranked among the top 1000 names for boys since records began in 1879. This makes it a rare and unique choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
In conclusion, Woodson is a name of English origin that refers to someone who works with wood or lives near a woods. Its meaning and rarity make it a fascinating option for those seeking an distinctive moniker with a rich history behind it.
The name Woodson has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with a significant increase in its popularity since the early 1900s.
Between 1880 and 1920, there were fewer than 30 births per year with the name Woodson. However, starting from 1921, the number of annual births with this name began to rise steadily. The most notable spikes occurred in 1915 (with 27 births) and 1916 (with 30 births), indicating a brief period of popularity during World War I.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the name Woodson maintained a consistent level of popularity, with approximately 10 to 20 births per year. The trend continued into the 1960s, with slight fluctuations but generally remaining within this range.
The name Woodson experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with around 5 to 10 births per year. This trend persisted throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century, with a notable increase since 2010.
As of 2022, there have been a total of 1255 babies named Woodson born in the United States since records began in 1880. The most recent data shows that this name has gained significant traction in recent years, with over 34 births in both 2022 and 2023.
Overall, while the name Woodson may not have been consistently popular throughout its history, it has maintained a steady presence among American baby names, with periods of increased popularity interspersed across different decades. Its recent resurgence indicates that it continues to be an appealing choice for parents in the United States today.