Woodrow is a unique and uncommon male given name of American origin. It is derived from two English words: "wood" meaning forest or woodland, and "row" which refers to a row of houses or trees. Therefore, Woodrow can be interpreted as a name that signifies a woodland area or a row of trees.
The name Woodrow gained prominence in the United States during the 19th century. It is most famously associated with Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Born Thomas Woodrow Wilson on December 28, 1856, he was an American scholar, historian, and statesman who served as the president of Princeton University before entering politics. His name has since become synonymous with his significant contributions to American history.
Despite its connection to a notable figure in American history, Woodrow remains a relatively rare name today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it ranked among the least popular boy's names in the United States in recent years. This rarity contributes to its unique and distinctive character, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for an uncommon name with a rich historical background.
In summary, Woodrow is a unique male given name of American origin that signifies a woodland area or a row of trees. While it gained prominence through its association with former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, it remains a relatively rare name today, offering a distinctive and historically significant choice for parents.
The number of babies named Woodrow peaked dramatically around the year 1915, with over 2600 births in that single year alone. This sudden surge can likely be attributed to the presidency of Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921). However, this popularity was short-lived and by the late 1920s, the name's usage had declined significantly, with fewer than 300 births annually. Since then, the popularity of the name has remained consistently low, with a notable resurgence in recent years, reaching over 80 births per year between 2016 and 2022.