Surname Woodbury - Meaning and Origin

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S. Woodbury

Woodbury: What does the surname Woodbury mean?

The surname Woodbury is derived from an English place name—specifically, the town of Woodbury in Devon. This place name is derived from the Old English “wod,” meaning “wood,” and “burh,” meaning “fortified place” or “stronghold.” Together, these two elements describe a location where there is a fortified settlement surrounded by a large wood.

The Woodbury surname was originally given to someone who lived near this location. It was often used as a form of identification—allowing local officials and neighbors to know the person associated with the area of Woodbury. As the popularity of family names grew, some people also adopted the name as a form of identity or as a way to set their family apart or distinguish themselves.

Over time, the Woodbury surname has spread throughout the world. It is most common in England, but has also spread to Scotland, Ireland, and other parts of Europe. It is also found in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the British Commonwealth. As its popularity grows, so do the number of people who have adopted this unique surname for themselves.

Woodbury: Where does the name Woodbury come from?

The last name Woodbury is common today in many locations throughout the United States and Canada.

In the U.S., Woodbury is most common in the New England region, particularly in Massachusetts and Connecticut. In Massachusetts alone, it is one of the top 500 surnames, and there are many towns populated by people with the Woodbury name. Even the town name “Woodbury” appears multiple times around the region.

The last name also has a strong presence in the western parts of the United States, especially in California. The name is found in many cities there, including Buellton, Redding, and Glendale.

In Canada, Woodbury is most common in Ontario. There are many towns throughout the province, as well as the city of Brantford, where a large population of Woodbury individuals reside.

Woodbury is also a notable surname in other parts of the world, including Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In each of these countries, the last name has been a part of the respective countries' culture for many years.

Overall, the last name Woodbury is not a rare one, and it is common in many places throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Woodbury

The surname Woodbury originates from the Old English ‘wooden burgh’ or 'wooden fortress’. This suggests the surname refers to either someone who lived in or near a wooden burgh or fortress or someone who came from such a place.

Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include: Woodberry, Woodbery, Woodbary, Woodbery, Woodbrie, Wodberry, Wodbery, Wodburie, Wodburry, Wodeberry, Wodebury, Wodeburry, Woudbery, and Wuodburie. less common variations are Woodebury, Woodbarrow, Woodbarry and Woodburgh.

The surname was first recorded in England around the thirteenth century when it appeared in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. It can now also be found across the globe in countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland and Ireland.

In Scotland the Woodbury surname is often found as Woodrow orWooderow; in Ireland, it is mainly found as Woodroffe. It’s notable that a number of variations on the spelling of ‘wood’ are used. For example, Woodbree, Woodberry, Woodbery, Woodbary, Wodbury and Wodeburry.

Today, Woodbury is amongst the most popular and widely found surnames around the world. It is likely that many variants continue to be found.

Famous people with the name Woodbury

• Emily Woodbury: American actress and co-host of the podcast, The Great List of Everything
• Karl Woodbury: American photographer, best known for his photos of vintage toys
• Claire Woodbury: American contemporary artist and activist for racial justice
• Robert Woodbury: American statistician and operations researcher
• Sarah Woodbury: American historical fiction author and writing teacher
• Jack Woodbury: American actor and producer
• Tanya Woodbury: British Olympic swimmer and Paralympic bronze medalist
• Richard Woodbury: American lawyer and politician
• Christina Woodbury: American journalist and television host
• Alex Woodbury: American actor and filmmaker

Other surnames

Woodburn