Woodard

“Guardian of the wood”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#730US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

283All-time births

📅 Since 191100

How to pronounce Woodard

WUHD·erd

/ˈwʊd.ɝd/ · stress on WUHD · 2 syllables

“Guardian of the wood”

English origin · Boy name

What does Woodard mean and where does it come from?

Woodard is a surname of English origin that has transitioned into use as a given name. It combines the Old English elements 'wudu' meaning 'wood' and 'weard' meaning 'guardian' or 'keeper'. Historically, it may have been used to denote a person who lived near or protected a forested area. Notable pe

Cultural significance

Woodard has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of guardian of the wood.

Peak popularity

Reached #1950 in 1920 — currently #730 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Woodard?

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

Woodard Grace

How popular is Woodard right now?

Holding steady — currently #730 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#730 · Top 0.54%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1945

1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#730	1,470	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#735	1,450	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#740	1,420	▲ up 2718 · +23567% births
1950	#3458	6	▼ down 328
1945	#3130	6	▲ up 268
1935	#3398	6	▼ down 255 · -25% births
1930	#3143	8	▼ down 113 · -11% births
1925	#3030	9	▼ down 1080 · -50% births
1920	#1950	18	▲ up 783 · +100% births
1915	#2733	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Woodard

Best Year2023Rank #730

Peak Count1,470

Average Rank#2305

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202310 years

The story of Woodard

Woodard entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. With 283 total births recorded, Woodard remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2733 in 1915 to #730 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Woodard in 1920:

John William Robert James Charles

Woodard by decade

Woodard peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	65
1920s ★	96
1930s	42
1940s	46
1950s	34

💎Woodard has only 283 total recorded births since 1911 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Woodard?

Common

WooWoodWoodieWoodyOdard

What names sound and feel like Woodard?

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

Woodward

England · Guardian of the

Goodard

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Pollard

English · One who is

Woodland

American · Of the woods

Woodsen

English · A meaningful name

Goddard

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Godard

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Leeward

English · toward the direction

Common questions about the name Woodard

What does the name Woodard mean?

Woodard means "Guardian of the wood" — a name rooted in English 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 Woodard?

Woodard is currently ranked #730 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 Woodard?

Woodard originates from English tradition. English 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 Woodard?

Woodard is a two-syllable name pronounced W UH1 D ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What are good nicknames for Woodard?

Woodard naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.