Surname Wood - Meaning and Origin
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Unveiling Cultural Convergence and Historical Evolution: An iGENEA DNA Test Journey with the Surname 'Wood'
Through the lens of an iGENEA DNA test, the surname 'Wood' embarks on a riveting journey transcending geographical boundaries and time frames. Originating in medieval England, my genes narrate tales of Anglo-Saxon ancestors, Viking incursions, indigenous Celts, and the resilient Jewish Diaspora. This rich genetic heritage serves as an insightful testament to centuries-old cultures and historical evolution.
A. Wood
read moreWood: What does the surname Wood mean?
The last name Wood is an Anglo-Saxon name. It was originally derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century 'wudu' or 'wode' which was itself derived from the word 'wudu', meaning 'wood'. In some instances, the surname was also used habitationally, from any of various minor places named with this word, such as La Wood in Lancashire and Wood in Essex.
In time, the Wood surname became most commonly associated with occupations from the wood crafting industry. This includes carpenters, leather workers, wood cutters, and a variety of other occupations. It is possible that some Wood families may have adopted the name from living near a woods or wooded areas.
Today, the name Wood is popular around the world, but is primarily found in England. Wood families spread across England to Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Some descendants of the Wood family have spread to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the Wood surname is particularly common in the states of Texas, New York, and California.
The Wood surname is particularly common in English-speaking countries and carries both a long and illustrous heritage. It is a great representation of the Anglo-Saxon people and their will to create, and carve out, a successful life.
Order DNA origin analysisWood: Where does the name Wood come from?
The last name Wood is a very common English surname that has seen widespread use in many countries over the centuries. In the United States and in certain parts of the British Isles, it is still very common today. In the United States, the highest concentration of Wood families is in the South. In particular, it is most popular in the states of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina.
In the United Kingdom, the name is most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Northumberland. It is also present in Scotland, particularly in areas closer to the old Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Northumbria and Mercia.
The Wood surname is also popular in other countries of the English-speaking world, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also fairly common in South Africa, as many British settlers moved there in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
In addition, the name can occasionally be found in other parts of the world, such as France, Germany, and Italy, due to migrations of English emigrants. In Ireland, the name is mainly found in Ulster, where it is most common around Derry and Antrim.
Overall, the last name Wood is an extremely common name in many countries, particularly those of the English-speaking world. Its popularity has continued to spread due to great migrations of English-speaking people over the centuries.
Variations of the surname Wood
The surname Wood is an English and Scottish patronymic surname derived from a nickname for someone who had a physical resemblance to a wood. Variations include Wode, Woode, Woodman, Woodmansey, Woodrow and Woodhouse.
Other related spellings of Wood include Woods, Woodes, Woodey, Wudy, Woody, Woddy, Woodhy and Wodde.
The surname Wood has several variants, particularly in Scotland. Wood and Wuid (in East Lothian) are thought to derive from the same original source. Wuid originated from Lothian phonology in the 16th or 17th century. In Ireland, Woods is the common form, whereas in England the most common variant is Wood.
The surname Wood may also be encountered in the British Isles as Goodwood, which is an old Scottish form of the name. The individual origins of Goodwood and Wood can often be confused. Additionally, Waldron is an old form of the name in Ireland.
Wood can be found in various spelling variations across many countries. In some areas of Europe, such as France, it is found as du Bois (literally “of the wood”),in Germany it is Wald, and in Italy it is Bosco. The surnames Woodman and Woodhouse may also occur in some countries. In England, the surname Wrowter is an Anglicized variant of the German surname Wurtz, which is derived from the Old German personal name Wurtz, meaning “woodsman” or “woodcutter”.
Wood and its variants are very common surnames throughout the English-speaking world.
Famous people with the name Wood
- Elijah Wood: American actor best known for his leading roles in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and other fantasy films such as Never-Ending Story and The Last Witch Hunter.
- Paul Wood: Australian cricketer who plays for New South Wales.
- Marnie Wood: Canadian actress and model who starred in “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” and “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists”.
- Chris Wood: English actor known for playing Klaus Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy.
- Bruce Wood: English choreographer best known for his works in numerous television shows.
- Eddie Wood: NASCAR team owner and driver who competed in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
- Woody Woodpecker: animated cartoon character created by the Walter Lantz Studio.
- Jeff Wood: Canadian vocalist and guitarist who is the frontman of the alternative rock band "The Jeff Wood Band".
- Emma Wood: British YouTube star that is known for her fashion and lifestyle videos.
- Danny Wood: American singer and songwriter who is best known for his role as a member of the boy band New Kids on the Block.