Woodruff

“A flowering plant of the genus Galium”

England origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#770US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

147All-time births

📅 Since 191200

How to pronounce Woodruff

WUHDR·uf

/ˈwʊdr.əf/ · stress on WUHDR · 2 syllables

“A flowering plant of the genus Galium”

England origin · Boy name

What does Woodruff mean and where does it come from?

Woodruff is an English name derived from the Middle English 'wudrafe,' which refers to a flowering plant known for its sweet scent. The name reflects an affinity with nature and herbal traditions, as woodruff was historically used in various cultural ceremonies and herbal remedies. It is predominant

Cultural significance

Woodruff has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a flowering plant of the genus galium.

Peak popularity

Reached #1806 in 1917 — currently #770 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Woodruff?

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

Woodruff Grace

How popular is Woodruff right now?

Holding steady — currently #770 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#770 · Top 0.57%

1920

1925

1935

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#770	1,430	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#775	1,410	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#780	1,380	▲ up 2631 · +22900% births
1935	#3411	6	▲ up 457
1925	#3868	6	▼ down 1330 · -50% births
1920	#2538	12	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Woodruff

Best Year2023Rank #770

Peak Count1,430

Average Rank#2024

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 20236 years

The story of Woodruff

Woodruff entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 147 total births recorded, Woodruff remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2538 in 1920 to #770 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Woodruff in 1917:

John William James Robert Joseph

Woodruff by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	42
1920s ★	57
1930s	13
1940s	18
1950s	17

💎Woodruff has only 147 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Woodruff?

Common

WooWoieWoyOdruff

What names sound and feel like Woodruff?

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

Woodward

England · Guardian of the

Woodroe

American · Old English

Woodro

American · Derived from ‘wood’

Wolfric

England · Wolf ruler

Wolcott

England · Wood cottage

Wolford

England · Old English

Fletcher

England · arrow maker

Chandler

England · French

Common questions about the name Woodruff

What does the name Woodruff mean?

Woodruff means "A flowering plant of the genus Galium" — a name rooted in England 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 Woodruff?

Woodruff is currently ranked #770 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 Woodruff?

Woodruff originates from England tradition. England 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 Woodruff?

Woodruff is a two-syllable name pronounced W UH1 D R AH0 F. 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 Woodruff?

Woodruff 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.