Surname Ashwood - Meaning and Origin

Ashwood: What does the surname Ashwood mean?

The last name Ashwood is believed to be of English and French origin, derived from the various names of ash trees, like Ashe and Ashwood. Ash as a surname usually refers to one's residence near an ash tree, since there were many ash trees once found in the British Isles.

In England, Ashwood is primarily a locational surname. The earliest recorded spelling of Ashwood dates back to 1374, and was found in ancient registers of the county of Lancashire. It was listed as William de Asshewode, and later to be found again in the Lancashire Poll Tax of 1379.

In French history, Ashwood was a place in Normandy. Throughout France and other parts of Europe, Ashwood can often refer to a particular family estate or common residence to a particular family lineage.

In modern times, Ashwood is quite common and can be found throughout the United States, Australia, and Canada. It is both an occupational surname and a topographical surname used to describe the common location of local ash wood groves. It is also spelled various different ways, such as Aishwood, Ashwoode, Ashwode and others.

Ashwood: Where does the name Ashwood come from?

The Ashwood surname is of English origin. The earliest records of this surname come from England during the 13th century. Over the centuries, it has spread to many parts of the world. In Europe, it is common in England and Ireland, while it is seldom found in other parts of the continent. In the United States and Canada, the prevalence of Ashwood is highest in the central and southeastern states, particularly Texas, Florida, and California.

It is also common in Australia, where it ranks among the top 300 surnames. It is likely more widespread in some of the British Commonwealth nations, like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Pakistan.

The Ashwood name has changed significantly over the centuries. Variations include Aishwood, Ashewood, and Ashwoode. It is often found with an “e” added to the end in Ireland. The Ashwood name is not especially rare, but it is not particularly common either. It is likely to continue to see more worldwide distribution as people migrate and intermarry.

Variations of the surname Ashwood

The surname Ashwood is derived from the Old English words 'aesc' (meaning 'ash') and 'wudu' (meaning 'wood'). This surname references a person who originally lived in or near a great woody area that was comprised mainly of ash trees. This is a fairly common surname found throughout Europe, and as such, there are a number of spelling and variant forms of this name that have arisen over the years.

Common alternate spellings of the Ashwood surname include Aishwood, Ashwod, Iswood, Ashewood, Ashwoode, Aishwode, Eshwood, Eashwood, Aishwoode, Ashwode, Ashewood, and Ashwode. Some variants of the name may include Ishwood, Ayshwood, Iswud, Ashwud, and Ashwudde.

Surnames which are derived from the original Ashwood name also include Ashe, Ashley, Astwood, and Ashmore. Additionally, a number of patronymic surnames such as Ashworth, Ashman, and Ashburne can also be found in some families with the Ashwood surname.

In total, there is an array of surnames which are related to Ashwood, and many of them are mildly different spellings or variants of the name. Knowing the alternative spellings and variants of the Ashwood name may help one uncover family members who share the same origin.

Famous people with the name Ashwood

• Adrianne Ashwood: Canadian soccer player and coach
• John Ashwood: English rugby union footballer
• Sonja Ashwood: Norwegian alpine skier
• Kate Ashwood: British actress
• Steven Ashwood: American musician and author
• Sarah Ashwood: Australian field hockey player
• Laura Ashwood: British contemporary artist
• Mikel Ashwood: British-Australian model
• Taylor Bennett Ashwood: American actress and artist
• Walt Ashwood: American literature professor and author

Other surnames

Ashworth