Rising since 2008, #1,466 for boys today.
Popularity of Woods since 1912
Babies named Woods per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 17 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 12 |
| 2010s | 172 |
| 2020s | 487 |
Meaning & origin
The name Woods reenters the U.S. baby name charts as a distinctive nature-inspired choice with a long history as a surname. First recorded in 1912, Woods experienced a resurgence beginning in 2008 and reached its peak rank of 1466 in 2025, with a one-in-14,116 birth rate that reflects its niche but growing appeal. The name has shown particular traction in states like Utah, Alabama, and Indiana, suggesting a preference in regions with strong outdoor traditions. As a modern adoption of a surname, Woods fits alongside other woodland names like Forest, but offers a slightly more rugged, pluralized sound.
Woods is an English surname derived from the Old English word 'wudu' meaning 'wood' or 'forest,' originally used to describe someone who lived near a wooded area. As a given name, it follows the modern trend of using surname-style names for boys, with sporadic use dating back to the early 20th century.
Where Woods is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Woods
Names that share Woods's style, for a brother or sister.
