"row of trees by the wood"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Woodrow
Pronunciation: [ w-OODR-oh ]
Does Woodrow flow with your last name?
A distinguished presidential name with woodland roots
American
English
Vintage
Strong
Sophisticated
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Woodrow
Woodrow is an English surname-turned-given name from Old English wudu (wood) and raw (row or lane), referring to a row of trees or a path through the woods. It became a presidential name through Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, which gave it a statesmanlike gravitas.
Woodrow gained popularity in the early 20th century following President Woodrow Wilson's presidency (1913-1921). It fell out of use for decades but is experiencing a revival as parents rediscover distinguished vintage names.
President Woodrow Wilson's legacy - including founding the League of Nations - gave this name an association with idealism and international vision. The nickname Woody has been made lovable through Toy Story's Sheriff Woody.
Historical Record
Woodrow first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 8,355 babies have been named Woodrow in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Woodrow is past its peak , currently ranked #1,690 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Woodrow Wilson was the 28th US President and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919
- Woody Guthrie, the folk music legend, was born Woodrow Wilson Guthrie, named after the president
Woodrow in Other Languages
French
Woodrow
German
Woodrow
Spanish
Woodrow
Popularity Over Time
#1,690
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Woodrow
W
Woody Guthrie
Musician
1912
Iconic American folk singer and composer of This Land Is Your Land, born Woodrow Wilson Guthrie
W
Woodrow Wilson
Politician
1856
28th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize recipient
W
Woody Pride Fictional
Other
Sheriff Woody, beloved cowboy protagonist of Pixar's Toy Story franchise
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Compare Woodrow with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,690
- Total SSA Count
- 99
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Woody
Wood
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Woodrow
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Woodrow is also used as a girl name, ranked #38388.
View Woodrow as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Woodrow
What does the name Woodrow mean?
"row of trees by the wood" (from Old English). Woodrow is an English surname-turned-given name from Old English wudu (wood) and raw (row or lane), referring to a row of trees or a path through the woods. It became a presidential name through Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, which gave it a statesmanlike gravitas.
What is the origin of the name Woodrow?
Woodrow has Old English, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "row of trees by the wood".
Is Woodrow a boy or girl name?
Woodrow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1690. As a girl name, it is ranked #38388. Woodrow is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Woodrow?
Woodrow is pronounced w-OODR-oh.
How popular is the name Woodrow?
Woodrow is currently ranked #1690 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Woodrow?
Common nicknames for Woodrow include Woody and Wood.
What are good middle names for Woodrow?
Popular middle name pairings include Woodrow James, Woodrow Lee, Woodrow Allen, Woodrow Scott, and Woodrow Grant.
What are good sibling names for Woodrow?
Names that pair well with Woodrow as siblings include Theodore, Harriet, Clarence, Eleanor, and Chester.
How many syllables does Woodrow have?
Woodrow has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Woodrow a common or rare name?
Woodrow is an uncommon name, ranked #1690 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Woodrow?
About the Name Woodrow
Woodrow is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "row of trees by the wood" in Old English .
Is Woodrow a boy or girl name? Woodrow is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,690 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #38,388. Woodrow is more commonly used as a boy name.
Woodrow is currently ranked #1,690 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Woodrow has 3 syllables and is pronounced w-OODR-oh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Woodrow include Woody and Wood. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Woodrow include Woods, Woodson . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis