Surname Norwood - Meaning and Origin
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A Journey of Discovery with iGENEA DNA Test: Unfolding the Celtic Origins of the Norwood Surname
Embarking the journey of unveiling the past with iGENEA DNA test, I discovered the fascinating Celtic roots of my surname, Norwood, besides the opportunity to connect with Norwood named relatives worldwide.
P. Norwood
read moreNorwood: What does the surname Norwood mean?
The surname Norwood is of English origin and was derived from geographical locations in England. It is a combination of two Old English words, "north" and "wood". Thus, it essentially means 'north of the woods', denoting someone who lived to the north of a wood. This surname can be traced back to medieval times when people often were identified based on the natural landmarks near their homes. Names that were formed this way are known as topographic names. Several places named Norwood were recorded in the late 13th century in counties such as Surrey and Essex. The different families with this last name could have originated from any of these locations or from regions that once had wooded areas in the northern part. Over centuries, the individuals and families bearing this surname migrated to different parts of the world, causing its spread and variations.
Order DNA origin analysisNorwood: Where does the name Norwood come from?
The last name Norwood is most commonly found in the United States today. Specifically, Norwood is a very common surname in the Northeast region of the country, particularly in New England. Massachusetts is the state that has the highest population of people with the last name Norwood, followed by New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. In fact, over 24,000 people with the name Norwood live in Massachusetts, making it the tenth most common surname in the state.
Outside of the Northeast, Norwood remains a relatively common last name, particularly in the South. Georgia and South Carolina have the highest concentration of people with the last name in the region, followed by Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Additionally, states like Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, and Virginia all have a substantial population of Norwoods.
In the Midwest, Norwood is most commonly found in the states of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The West Coast also has a sizable population of people with the name Norwood, especially in California and Washington. However, overall, Norwood is most populous in the Northeast.
Variations of the surname Norwood
The Norwood surname is one with a long and complicated history. It is thought to have originated in England, likely from Anglo-Saxon or Danish settlers. The name has a variety of tiny spelling and variant permutations including Norwod, Norewood, Norwoode, and Norwoode. It is also common for the name to be transliterated into other languages such as Northwood, Norvud, and Nordvo.
The Norwood family has many branches throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and America, each with a different spelling form reflecting its regional history. In some cases, alternative spellings such as Northwood, Norwoode, and Norwoodman have been used to denote lineage or differentiate family members.
In some English regions, the name Norwood was combined with other surnames to form unique variants. Examples include Norsman, Norfield, and Norflet. The surname also gave rise to the bear names Norwood, Norsman, and Northrop. These names were bestowed to individuals with strong links to the Norwood family and were then passed down through the generations.
The Norwood surname can appear in many forms, but it is still united in its origin and shared heritage. Though the variants might have changed over the centuries, the Norwood name remains a part of the family legacy.
Famous people with the name Norwood
- Brandy Norwood: Grammy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress.
- Ray J Norwood: American singer-songwriter, record producer, actor, entrepreneur and television personality.
- Dr. Bobby Norwood: American dentist, painter and American football player.
- Joe Norwood: Retired American Football coach and former professional player.
- Chris Norwood: American actor, film producer and former football player.
- Paul Norwood: American actor, producer, and screenwriter.
- John Norwood: American politician, formerly serving as a Georgia state senator.
- Earl Norwood Jr.: American gospel musician, minister, and a Veteran of the United States Navy.
- Crystal Norwood: Former collegiate All-American basketball player and coach.
- Ryan Norwood: American film director and actor from Fort Worth, Texas.