What does Woodrow mean and where does it come from?
Woodrow is derived from the Old English elements 'wudu' meaning 'wood' and 'row' meaning 'a row or line'. Historically, the name Woodrow has been used predominantly as a surname before transitioning to a first name. It gained popularity in the early 20th century, notably associated with the 28th Pre
Cultural significance
Woodrow has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of row of houses by the wood.
Peak popularity
Reached #1653 in 2025 — currently #1653 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Woodrow?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Woodrow?
Woodrow works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Woodrow Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Woodrow John
One syllable · timeless choice
Woodrow Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Woodrow Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Woodrow Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Woodrow Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Woodrow right now?
Rising — up 47 spots — currently #1653 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1653 | 102 | ▲ up 47 · +3% births |
| 2024 | #1700 | 99 | ▼ down 120 · -84% births |
| 2023 | #1580 | 620 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1585 | 600 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1590 | 570 | ▲ up 2940 · +11300% births |
| 1940 | #4530 | 5 | ▲ up 602 |
| 1920 | #5132 | 5 | ▼ down 1873 · -37% births |
| 1915 | #3259 | 8 | — |
The story of Woodrow
Woodrow entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. A total of 38,775 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3259 in 1915 to #1580 in 2023. Woodrow is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Woodrow in 2025:
Woodrow by decade
Woodrow peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 72 | |
| 1910s ★ | 18,441 | |
| 1920s | 4,572 | |
| 1930s | 2,932 | |
| 1940s | 4,765 | |
| 1950s | 2,813 | |
| 1960s | 1,784 | |
| 1970s | 1,149 | |
| 1980s | 741 | |
| 1990s | 557 | |
| 2000s | 284 | |
| 2010s | 574 | |
| 2020s | 292 | |
What are good nicknames for Woodrow?
What names sound and feel like Woodrow?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Woodrow also consider these
Common questions about the name Woodrow
What does the name Woodrow mean?
Woodrow means "Row of houses by the wood" — a name rooted in American 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 Woodrow?
Woodrow is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Woodrow?
Woodrow originates from American tradition. American 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 Woodrow?
Woodrow is a two-syllable name pronounced WUHDR-oh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Woodrow a common or rare name?
Woodrow is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.