What is the origin of the last name Sherwood?
Countries of origin for the last name Sherwood
The last name Sherwood has roots in the Old English language. It is derived from the words “scir” meaning “bright or clear” and “wudu” meaning “wood or forest.” The combination of these two words gives Sherwood the meaning “bright or clear wood.”
According to historical records, the surname Sherwood can be traced back to the county of Nottinghamshire in England. It is believed that the name originated as a place name for someone who lived in or near the Sherwood Forest, which is famous for its association with the legendary outlaw Robin Hood. This forest was once a vast woodland that covered a significant portion of the county.
Early variations of the Sherwood surname include “Sherwode,” “Schirewood,” and “Shirwude,” among others. These variations reflect the different spellings used during different periods of history, as spelling conventions were not standardized until much later.
As with many surnames, the Sherwood name began as a locational surname, indicating a person’s residence or connection to a specific place. Over time, however, it also became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations within a family. This transition from a locational to a hereditary surname was a common occurrence in England during the medieval period.
The surname Sherwood can be found in various records and historical documents, including census records, church registers, and land deeds. These records provide evidence of the presence of the name throughout different regions and time periods.
Migration and immigration have also contributed to the spread of the Sherwood surname. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many individuals with the name Sherwood emigrated from England to other parts of the world, including the United States. As a result, the surname can now be found in different countries and continents.
Today, the surname Sherwood continues to be relatively uncommon but not rare. It is most prevalent in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States and Canada. The Sherwood name has maintained its original spelling with little variation, indicating a relatively cohesive lineage. The distribution of the surname within the United States is not evenly spread, with higher concentrations found in certain regions.
Although the meaning and origin of the Sherwood surname are relatively well-established, genealogical research and historical documentation can sometimes unearth new information. The exploration of family histories and connections can shed further light on the specific lineage and branches of the Sherwood family tree.
Interesting facts about the last name Sherwood
- The surname Sherwood is derived from the Old English words “scir” meaning “bright” or “clear,” and “wudu” meaning “wood” or “forest.” Therefore, the name Sherwood refers to a person who lived near a bright or clear forest.
- One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Sherwood is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a person named Richard de Scirewode is listed as a landowner in the county of Nottinghamshire, England.
- The Sherwood Forest, located in Nottinghamshire, England, is famous for its association with the legendary outlaw Robin Hood. It is often believed that the name Sherwood originated from this famous forest and the people who lived there.
- During the Middle Ages, the surname Sherwood was fairly common in England, particularly in the counties of Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, and Yorkshire.
- In the United States, the surname Sherwood can be traced back to the early colonial period. Several individuals with the surname Sherwood migrated from England and settled in various American colonies, including Connecticut, New York, and Virginia.
- In 1925, Emmet J. Sherwood, a professor of botany at the University of Chicago, discovered and named a species of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. The plant, known as Sherwoodia Sherwoodii, is native to Mexico and Guatemala.
- The surname Sherwood has also been used as a given name for both boys and girls. It gained popularity in the 19th century and has been occasionally used ever since.
- The Sherwood surname has various spelling variations including Shearwood, Shewood, Sherward, Shirewood, and Shirwood.
- Notable individuals with the surname Sherwood include Robert Sherwood, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and screenwriter, and Bob Sherwood, an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour.
- The Sherwood family motto is “Nec timens, nec tremens,” which translates to “Neither fearing nor trembling.”
Name Rank
#1685
There are around 21384 people with the last name Sherwood in the US