A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Woodrow since 1900
Babies named Woodrow per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 72 |
| 1910s | 18,355 |
| 1920s | 4,542 |
| 1930s | 2,920 |
| 1940s | 4,761 |
| 1950s | 2,808 |
| 1960s | 1,785 |
| 1970s | 1,149 |
| 1980s | 742 |
| 1990s | 557 |
| 2000s | 284 |
| 2010s | 576 |
| 2020s | 556 |
Meaning & origin
Woodrow is a presidential namesake that has carved its own quiet niche in American naming. First recorded in the U.S. in 1900, it reached its peak rank of 1 in 1913, the year Woodrow Wilson took office. After a long period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2006. In 2025, it ranked 1,644, with about 1 in 16,746 boys receiving the name. Its top states include Washington, Tennessee, and California. As a surname-turned-first-name derived from Old English elements for 'wood' and 'row,' Woodrow carries a sturdy, outdoorsy feel that pairs well with classic presidential middle names or modern nicknames like Woody. Its current revival suggests parents are rediscovering this solid, historical choice.
Woodrow is an English surname transferred to given name use. It derives from a place name meaning 'row of houses in a wood' from Old English 'wudu' (wood) and 'rāw' (row). Alternatively, some sources connect it to 'woodland hedge' from 'wudu' and 'haga' (hedge). The name gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly after President Woodrow Wilson.
Where Woodrow is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Woody, Wood
Sibling names for Woodrow
Names that share Woodrow's style, for a brother or sister.
