Surname Garwood - Meaning and Origin
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Garwood: What does the surname Garwood mean?
The last name Garwood is a English topographic surname that originated in Essex, England. It is derived from the Old English words “gar” meaning "spear," and "wudu," meaning "wood," thus meaning "spear-wood". It is believed to have been originally occupational, and may have been given to someone whose job was to fletch spears or provide wood for their construction.
In the past, Garwoods were known to be an agricultural family that worked the land and forests, or manufacturers and merchants of wood-related products, such as furniture and plywood. The coat of arms, or official family crest of the Garwood family is a distinguishing symbol that reflects their history and individuality. It consists of a black shield, bisected by a white chevron, and a gold mole holding a sprig of oak leaves in its mouth, symbolizing the family's association with the woods.
The Garwood last name is common all over England, the United States, and Canada. Today, it's easier than ever to research one's family history using online genealogical databases. People with the last name Garwood come from diverse backgrounds, but they all share a common heritage of having ancestors with a strong connection to the woods.
Order DNA origin analysisGarwood: Where does the name Garwood come from?
The last name Garwood is commonly found in English-speaking countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is an English-origin surname likely derived from the name of a place like Garwood in Essex, England.
In the US, Texas is one of the most common states for the surname Garwood. It is among the top 400 surnames according to the US Census Bureau in 2010, with more than 5,000 households bearing the name. Other states that come up high on the list include California, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Illinois.
In the UK, the surname Garwood is particularly popular in the North West region and East Midlands region. There it is ranked among the 30 most common surnames throughout England. In Scotland, the surname is also prominent, making up 0.015% of the population.
In the Commonwealth countries of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the last name Garwood is also quite noticeable. In Australia, Garwood is among the top 500 surnames in the region, and in Canada, it is one of the78th most popular surnames.
Overall, the surname Garwood is fairly common today, as it can be found in several countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Garwood
The surname Garwood has several variant spellings and related surnames of the same origin. These variants and related surnames can be broken down into four general categories:
1) Anglo-Saxon variations, which include the spellings Garwud, Garwed, Garwyd, Garwitt, Garwit, Garwot, and Garwott.
2) Gaelic variations, which include the spellings MacGarwood, McCarwood, Carwood, Garvight, Garvite, Garvote, Garvott, Garvey, Garvie, Garvy, Garvit, Garrison, and Garritson.
3) French variations, which include the surnames Garwod, Garwoode, Garwoodes, Garwoody, and Garwoodys.
4) Scandinavian variations, which include the surnames Garvod, Garvood, Garvoode, Garvoodes, Garvoody, and Garvoodys.
Overall, the surname Garwood has many different variations and related surnames of the same origin. Each of these spellings and surnames may be relevant to different regions, cultures, or time periods. It is important to consider the specific variation of the name when researching or tracing a family history to make sure that the correct family tree is being followed.
Famous people with the name Garwood
- James Garwood: American actor, best known for his work on the classic film Laugh, Clown, Laugh.
- John Garwood: founding member of the Sierra Club, one of the largest conservation organizations in the United States.
- Susan Garwood: American television actress, best known for her role as Nurse Cherrynone on the television sitcom Home Improvement.
- Thomas Dwight Garwood: pioneering American photographer whose works span the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century.
- Brooks Garwood: American fashion designer, art director, and costume designer, best known for his work on films such as The Plant Wives and Young Guns.
- Edwin Garwood: Canadian-born American songwriter and storyteller whose works are heavily influenced by folk and country music.
- Joe Garwood:Chris Vrenna's former drummer in the alternative rock band Nine Inch Nails.
- Richard Garwood: English rugby union player who played for Zimbabwe national rugby team.
- Kenneth Garwood: Canadian ice hockey player who played with the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres during the 1970s.
- Spencer Garwood: American toy designer and inventor, best known for his work on the ‘Take-Apart & Put-Back-Together’ toy line.