Surname Woodriff - Meaning and Origin

Woodriff: What does the surname Woodriff mean?

The last name Woodriff is of English origin and dates back to the medieval times. It was mainly found in Northumberland and Cumberland areas of England and is derived from the Old English word “wudior,” which means woodcutter. Woodriff tells us that the original bearer of the name was a woodcutter, or a person who collects wood from forests.

The surname Woodriff is a relatively common one and can be found throughout Great Britain, as well as in the United States. According to records, many Woodriffs settled in America in the early 19th century and spread throughout the South.

The name Woodriff is a strong reminder of the past, when woodwork was a crucial part of the economy. It is said to be an occupational name, describing the specific work of early ancestors. In the olden days, woodworkers were highly skilled in turning wood into useful objects with their craftsmanship. These woodcutters transformed trees into everyday products like furniture, tools, and ships.

The name Woodriff is an important part of the family heritage, showing a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and hard work. It is a source of pride and has been passed on from generation to generation. As many Woodriffs continue to pursue careers in woodworking, we can be sure that this important piece of family history will never be forgotten.

Woodriff: Where does the name Woodriff come from?

The last name Woodriff is quite common in certain parts of the United States and in Australia. It is most commonly found in the midwestern United States, particularly in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. It is also found in parts of Maine and Virginia.

In Australia, Woodriff is an aboriginal name most commonly found in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. It is also found in several other countries, including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, and Germany.

Within the United States, the prevalence of Woodriff widens slightly depending on the North American region. In the Midwest, it is found largely in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Further south, it is also common in regions of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. The quietest presence of Woodriff in the United States is in the West, where it is found in California, Nevada, and Colorado.

Woodriff is also found more often in certain areas within larger states. In Michigan, for instance, it is most common in the Oakland County. In California, it is most commonly found in the San Francisco Bay area and a few surrounding counties.

In recent decades, the prevalence of Woodriff has only increased slightly, indicating that this particular last name will likely remain common in these parts of the United States and Australia for the foreseeable future.

Variations of the surname Woodriff

The surname Woodriff is most likely derived from the Anglo-Saxon given name Woodward. Variants of this surname include Woodruff, Woodroof, Woodroffe, Woodrowe, Woodruffe, Woodrow, Woodrough, Wooward and Wodriffe.

Woodruff is the most common variant of the surname. It is derived from an Old English nickname meaning “protector of the wood”. This was given to someone who was responsible for guarding a wooded area, or someone who lived beside one. Variations of this surname include Woodroof, Woodroffe, Woodrowe, Woodrough and Woodrow.

Woodroof is also a variant of Woodriff. This variant comes from a topographical name that was given to someone who lived near a roof of wood. Woodrowe is another variant and is derived from the Old English word “hrod”, which means “reed”. Similarly, Woodroffe is derived from the Middle English word “rofe”, meaning “thicket”.

Woodrough is derived from Old English “hrod”, meaning a clearing in a wood, while Woodrow is thought to refer to someone who lived near an old path near a field. Wooward is derived from the Old English word “hweard”, which means “watchman”, and Wodriffe is derived from the Old English word “wudu”, meaning “wood”.

Overall, Woodriff is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, and its various variants are derived from associated words and nicknames that refer to wooded areas and watchmen.

Famous people with the name Woodriff

• Ashley Woodruff: Professional Blogger
• Liz Woodruff: American Voice Actress
• Bill Woodruff: English Historical Novelist
• Grant Woodruff: Mexican-American Footballer
• Mandy Woodruff: British Celebrity Journalist
• Jack Woodruff: American Professional Drag Racer
• Jack Woodruff: English YouTuber
• Steve Woodruff: American Entrepreneur
• Larry Woodruff: American Football Player
• Stewart Woodruff: New Zealand Representational Artist
• Milburn Woodruff: American Baseball Player
• Beau Woodruff: American Actor and Model
• Rocco Woodruff: Canadian Soccer Player
• Freddy Woodruff: British Television Actor
• Lynn Woodruff: American Psychologist
• Meg Woodruff: British Author
• Kim Woodruff: Puerto Rican Singer
• Regan Woodruff: Australian Actress
• Gary Woodruff: Education Administrator
• Platt Woodruff: American Engineer and Entrepreneur

Other surnames

WoodrichWoodridgeWoodring