Woods Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Woods has its origins in Old English, derived from the word 'wudu', meaning 'forest' or 'wood'. Its language evolution traces from Old English to Modern English. The name represents a connection to nature and is often associated with individuals who lived near wooded areas. It has no biblical relevance. The surname gained popularity in the Middle Ages and remains prevalent today, often associated with positive imagery of nature. Notable individuals with the surname include professional golfer Tiger Woods.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Woods"
Pronunciation
/wʊdz/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Woods is derived from the Old English word 'wudu', which means 'forest' or 'wood'. It originally referred to someone who lived near or worked in a forested area.
Meaning
forest, wood
Language Evolution
Old English: wudu, Middle English: wode, Modern English: Woods
Historical Usage
The surname Woods began to gain popularity in the Middle Ages as a topographic name for individuals living near woods or forests. It became increasingly common in England during the 13th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Wood, Woodsley, Woodson
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Woods is often associated with nature and the outdoors. It carries a rustic charm and is perceived positively, often evoking images of tranquility and natural beauty.
Famous People
Tiger Woods (professional golfer), Megan Woods (activist and writer), Rachael Woods (author)
📊 Woods Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Woods Name Visualizations
✨ Woods Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 94 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 8 US states, with strongest presence in South Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Woods"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Woods"
"Woods" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5870th of 7545 | 17 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 15020th of 24088 | 31 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2829th of 23106 | 519 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Woods" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
71.34% 2842nd/3984 |
- |
36.24% 2472nd/6822 |
62.16% 3901st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Woods" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Woods"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Woods" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Woods" in the United States
The name Woods is most popular in South Carolina, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Woods has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Woods' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5870th out of 7545 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15020th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2829th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Woods' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.