Woodward

“Guardian of the woods”

England origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#586US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

205All-time births

📅 Since 191300

How to pronounce Woodward

WUHDW·awrd

/ˈwʊdw.ˌɔrd/ · stress on WUHDW · 2 syllables

“Guardian of the woods”

England origin · Boy name

What does Woodward mean and where does it come from?

The name Woodward derives from the Old English elements 'wude' (wood) and 'weard' (guardian, protector). It is often used as a surname and can also be a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name was likely first recorded in England, where it described someone who worked in, or

Cultural significance

Woodward has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of guardian of the woods.

Peak popularity

Reached #2177 in 1917 — currently #586 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Woodward?

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

Woodward Grace

How popular is Woodward right now?

Holding steady — currently #586 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#586 · Top 0.43%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1950

1960

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#586	1,614	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#591	1,594	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#596	1,564	▲ up 3644 · +31180% births
1960	#4240	5	▼ down 1064 · -29% births
1950	#3176	7	▲ up 280 · +17% births
1935	#3456	6	▲ up 739 · +20% births
1930	#4195	5	▼ down 627 · -29% births
1925	#3568	7	▼ down 472 · -22% births
1920	#3096	9	▼ down 111 · +13% births
1915	#2985	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Woodward

Best Year2023Rank #586

Peak Count1,614

Average Rank#2649

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202310 years

The story of Woodward

Woodward entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 205 total births recorded, Woodward remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2985 in 1915 to #586 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Woodward in 1917:

John William James Robert Joseph

Woodward by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	56
1920s ★	66
1930s	16
1940s	31
1950s	31
1960s	5

💎Woodward has only 205 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Woodward?

Common

WooWoieWoyOdward

What names sound and feel like Woodward?

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

Woodard

English · Guardian of the

Woodland

American · Of the woods

Woodford

United Kingdom · Old English

Goodard

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Stoddard

American · Old English

Harvard

England · hardy or brave

Waynard

England · Old English

Richard

England · Powerful ruler

Common questions about the name Woodward

What does the name Woodward mean?

Woodward means "Guardian of the woods" — 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 Woodward?

Woodward is currently ranked #586 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 Woodward?

Woodward 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 Woodward?

Woodward is a two-syllable name pronounced W UH1 D W AO2 R 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 Woodward?

Woodward 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.