What does Woodson mean and where does it come from?
Woodson is a surname of English origin that has also been used as a given name. It is derived from the Old English words 'wudu' meaning 'wood' and 'son' meaning 'son of.' The name Woodson gained prominence in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often as a way to denote ances
Cultural significance
Woodson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the woods.
Peak popularity
Reached #676 in 1886 — currently #2450 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Woodson?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Woodson?
Woodson works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Woodson Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Woodson John
One syllable · timeless choice
Woodson Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Woodson Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Woodson Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Woodson Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Woodson right now?
Rising fast — up 296 spots — currently #2450 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2450 | 56 | ▲ up 296 · +17% births |
| 2024 | #2746 | 48 | ▲ up 719 · +41% births |
| 2023 | #3465 | 34 | ▼ down 133 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #3332 | 36 | ▲ up 903 · +44% births |
| 2021 | #4235 | 25 | ▼ down 528 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #3707 | 28 | ▲ up 1350 · +56% births |
| 2015 | #5057 | 18 | ▲ up 7196 · +260% births |
| 2010 | #12253 | 5 | ▼ down 3124 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #9129 | 6 | ▼ down 237 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #8892 | 5 | ▼ down 4382 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #4510 | 8 | ▼ down 1246 · +14% births |
| 1965 | #3264 | 7 | ▼ down 167 · -12% births |
| 1960 | #3097 | 8 | ▲ up 821 · +60% births |
| 1955 | #3918 | 5 | ▼ down 881 · -29% births |
| 1950 | #3037 | 7 | — |
The story of Woodson
Woodson has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,158 total births recorded, Woodson remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #743 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3465 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Woodson in 1886:
Woodson by decade
Woodson peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 30 | |
| 1890s | 21 | |
| 1900s | 25 | |
| 1910s ★ | 187 | |
| 1920s | 170 | |
| 1930s | 120 | |
| 1940s | 136 | |
| 1950s | 94 | |
| 1960s | 57 | |
| 1970s | 12 | |
| 1980s | 30 | |
| 1990s | 12 | |
| 2000s | 55 | |
| 2010s | 181 | |
| 2020s | 132 | |
💎With 1,158 total births, Woodson is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Woodson?
What names sound and feel like Woodson?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Woodson also consider these
Common questions about the name Woodson
What does the name Woodson mean?
Woodson means "son of the woods" — 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 Woodson?
Woodson is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Woodson have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Woodson?
Woodson 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 Woodson?
Woodson is a two-syllable name pronounced WUHDS-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Woodson trending right now?
Woodson is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.