Kirkwood

“church by the wood”

Scotland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#962US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

35All-time births

📅 Since 191400

How to pronounce Kirkwood

KER·kwuhd

/ˈkɝ.kwʊd/ · stress on KER · 2 syllables

“church by the wood”

Scotland origin · Boy name

What does Kirkwood mean and where does it come from?

Kirkwood is a surname of Scottish origin that has also become popular as a first name. The name comes from the Scottish words 'kirk,' meaning 'church,' and 'wood,' referring to a wooded area. It was originally used to denote someone who lived near a church that was situated by a wood. The name has b

Cultural significance

Kirkwood has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of church by the wood.

Peak popularity

Reached #3645 in 1914 — currently #962 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kirkwood?

Kirkwood works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Kirkwood Grace

How popular is Kirkwood right now?

Holding steady — currently #962 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#962 · Top 0.71%

1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#962	1,238	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#967	1,218	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#972	1,188	▲ up 2942 · +23660% births
1950	#3914	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kirkwood

Best Year2023Rank #962

Peak Count1,238

Average Rank#1704

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1950 - 20234 years

The story of Kirkwood

Kirkwood entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 35 total births recorded, Kirkwood remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3914 in 1950 to #962 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kirkwood in 1914:

John William James Robert Joseph

Kirkwood by decade

Kirkwood peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1930s	5
1940s ★	10
1950s	10
1980s	5

💎Kirkwood has only 35 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kirkwood?

Common

KirKiIrkwood

What names sound and feel like Kirkwood?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kirkwood also consider these

Kirkland

Scotland · church land

Linwood

American · lake in the

Lindwood

American · from the lime

Kirollos

Egypt · Young man

Chitwood

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Durwood

American · From the deer

Marwood

England · English

Kenwood

English · From the king's

Common questions about the name Kirkwood

What does the name Kirkwood mean?

Kirkwood means "church by the wood" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Kirkwood?

Kirkwood is currently ranked #962 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Kirkwood?

Kirkwood originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Kirkwood?

Kirkwood is a two-syllable name pronounced K ER1 K W UH0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Kirkwood a common or rare name?

Kirkwood is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.