Woodward Surname
Introduction
The surname Woodward has a long and fascinating history, with roots in multiple countries around the world. It is a surname that has been passed down through generations, with each descendant adding their own unique story to the family name. In this article, we will delve into the origins of the surname Woodward, its meaning, and its prevalence in various countries.
Origins of the Surname Woodward
The surname Woodward is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "weard" meaning "guard". This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have been guardians or caretakers of the woods. The name was likely given to those who lived near or worked in the woods, or who were responsible for overseeing the management of woodland areas.
Early Records
The earliest known recording of the surname Woodward dates back to the 12th century in England. The Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror, does not include the surname Woodward. However, by the 12th century, the surname had already become established, with records showing individuals bearing the name in various regions of England.
Migration and Spread
Over time, the surname Woodward spread beyond England to other countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and various European nations. The migration of individuals bearing the surname Woodward often coincided with historical events such as the colonization of the Americas and the exploration and settlement of new territories.
Meaning of the Surname Woodward
Given that the surname Woodward is derived from the words "wood" and "guard", it can be interpreted to mean "guardian of the woods" or "caretaker of the forest". This suggests a connection to nature and an occupation related to woodland areas. The name may have originally been descriptive, denoting the occupation or location of the bearer.
Variations and Spelling
Like many surnames, Woodward has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries. These variations may be due to regional dialects, changes in pronunciation, or transcription errors in historical records. Some common variations of the surname Woodward include Woodard, Woodworth, and Woodrow.
Notable Bearers of the Surname Woodward
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Woodward. One of the most famous is Bob Woodward, an American investigative journalist who, along with Carl Bernstein, uncovered the Watergate scandal that ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Another notable figure is Woodward Maurice "Tex" Ritter, a country music singer and actor.
Prevalence of the Surname Woodward
The surname Woodward is relatively common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to available data, the incidence of the surname Woodward is highest in the United States, followed by England and Australia. It is also found in significant numbers in Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Regional Distribution
Within the United States, the surname Woodward is most prevalent in states such as Texas, California, Florida, and Georgia. In England, the surname is most common in regions such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. In Australia, the surname Woodward is more widely distributed, with significant numbers in states such as New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
Global Presence
Although the surname Woodward is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, it can also be found in other parts of the world. The surname has a presence in countries such as Spain, France, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore, albeit in smaller numbers. This global distribution reflects the migration and spread of individuals with the surname Woodward over the centuries.
Overall, the surname Woodward has a rich history and a significant presence in numerous countries around the world. It is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals across different cultures and continents.
The surname Woodward into the world
Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar takes place when it comes to Woodward, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that can be present in all of the nations associated with the world. In the same manner you can find countries by which definitely the density of individuals aided by the surname Woodward is more than far away.
The map regarding the Woodward surname
The likelihood of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Woodward in the world, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves in the map, on a concrete nation, we can start to see the concrete amount of people utilizing the surname Woodward, to obtain this way the precise information of all of the Woodward you could currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to comprehend not only where the surname Woodward originates from, but also in what manner the people who're originally area of the family members that bears the surname Woodward have relocated and relocated. In the same way, you'll be able to see in which places they have settled and grown up, which is why if Woodward is our surname, it seems interesting to which other nations for the globe it is possible that one of our ancestors once moved to.
Nations with additional Woodward on the planet
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United States (52281)
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England (27132)
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Australia (6886)
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Canada (3632)
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New Zealand (1395)
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Wales (1339)
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South Africa (735)
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Scotland (470)
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Spain (178)
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France (136)
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Nothern Ireland (104)
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Mexico (101)
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Argentina (99)
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Singapore (90)
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Nigeria (71)
Woodward Surname
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