Holding steady.
Popularity of Woodward since 1913
Babies named Woodward per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 56 |
| 1920s | 66 |
| 1930s | 16 |
| 1940s | 31 |
| 1950s | 31 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Woodward is a rare surname-turned-first-name with English origins, meaning 'dweller near a wood.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1913, and its peak usage was in 1917, during the early 20th century when surnames as given names gained popularity. Despite its low and stable usage profile, Woodward has a sturdy, traditional feel. It never achieved national top-1000 status, and its one-in-N rate is effectively zero due to its rarity. This name remains an obscure but distinguished choice.
Woodward is an English surname of toponymic origin, derived from the Old English 'wudu' (wood) and 'weard' (guardian or keeper). It originally denoted someone who lived near or was a keeper of a wood or forest. As a given name, it became used in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, following the fashion for surnames as first names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Woody, Ward
Variants: Woodard, Woodwardt
Sibling names for Woodward
Names that share Woodward's style, for a brother or sister.
