Woodie is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "wode," which means "mad" or "frenzied." The name Woodie is often associated with someone who is eccentric, wild, or free-spirited, but it is important to note that this interpretation is not explicitly stated in its etymology.
The name Woodie first gained popularity during the early 20th century in the United States. It was typically given to boys and is believed to have been inspired by the popular jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton, whose real name was Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Joseph LaMothe. Morton himself was known for his eccentric personality and wild lifestyle, which may have contributed to the name Woodie's association with those traits.
Despite its origins, the name Woodie is not particularly common today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never reached the top 1000 names given to boys in the United States since records began in 1879. However, this does not mean that Woodie is entirely absent from birth certificates – it simply suggests that it remains a relatively rare choice for parents.
In recent years, there have been some notable individuals named Woodie who have helped to keep the name alive and in the public consciousness. For example, Woodie Guthrie Jr., son of the famous folk singer Woody Guthrie, has carried on his father's musical legacy as a singer-songwriter in his own right. Additionally, Woodie Shaw is an American jazz trumpeter who has made significant contributions to the genre.
Overall, while Woodie may not be one of the most commonly chosen names for boys, its unique origins and association with notable figures from the worlds of music and entertainment help to give it a certain cachet. Those who choose this name for their children may do so in part because they appreciate its distinctive sound and history, even if they are aware that it might not be immediately recognizable to others.
Sources:
* Behind the Name: Woodie (https://www.behindthename.com/name/Woodie)
* Social Security Administration: Popular Baby Names (https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/)
* Encyclopedia Britannica: Woody Guthrie (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Woody-Guthrie)
* AllMusic: Woodie Shaw (https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mn0001812736/biography)
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the name Woodie in the United States between 1880 and 1998.
Firstly, it's important to note that the popularity of this name has varied significantly over time. The earliest recorded birth year with more than one occurrence is 1886, when there were 11 births named Woodie. However, in the following years, its popularity fluctuated widely, ranging from as low as 5 births per year (in several years including 1894, 1900, and 1977) to a peak of 36 births in 1920.
In the early 20th century, particularly between 1910 and 1929, there was a noticeable increase in popularity. This period saw consistently higher numbers of babies named Woodie compared to previous decades. The highest number of births with this name occurred in 1913, with 30 newborns sharing the moniker.
However, after reaching this peak, there was another significant decline in popularity throughout most of the mid-20th century. Between 1950 and 1976, only six years had more than ten births named Woodie each year, with numbers generally ranging between five to ten per year.
After 1976, there was a further reduction in popularity, with the name appearing less frequently every decade until the end of the recorded period in 1998. During this time, only five years had more than five births named Woodie each year: 1970 (nine), 1972 (fourteen), 1974 (ten), 1981 (seven), and 1986 (five).
Overall, while the name Woodie has been used consistently throughout American history since at least the late 19th century, its popularity has waxed and waned significantly over time. Despite this volatility in popularity, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking to give their child an uncommon moniker with historical precedent.