Show ContentsInwood History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Inwood is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It comes from when a family lived in Intwood, a parish, in the union of Henstead, hundred of Humbleyard, east division of Norfolk. [1] [2]

The place name literally means "dweller at the Inn-Wood [Middle English in, a lodging, dwelling; Old English inn, a house + Middle English mode, Old English wudu, a wood] " [3] [4]

Early Origins of the Inwood family

The surname Inwood was first found in Norfolk but we must look to Somerset to find the first record of the family. For it is there that Adam Inwod, was listed 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) [5] Again in Somerset, we found Thomas de Inwode recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. [4]

The Inward variant proves to be interesting. While the name are related as proven by a late entry of "Sarah Inward, daughter of Richard Inwood, died in 1685. Inward and Inwood have been confused." [4] This variant may have a different origin. First of all, the earliest record was that of Roger de Ynewrde in the Pipe Rolls of Northumberland in 1202 and secondly, this variant may originate in Inworth, Essex which dates back to 1206 when it was known as Inewrth. [6]

How and when the names became interchangeable, we do not know.

Early History of the Inwood family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Inwood research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1771, 1798, 1819, 1821, 1822, 1832, 1835, 1840 and 1843 are included under the topic Early Inwood History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Inwood Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Inwood were recorded, including Inwood, Intwood, Inward and others.

Early Notables of the Inwood family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

  • William Inwood (1771?-1843), architect and surveyor, "born about 1771 at Caen Wood, Highgate, where his father, Daniel Inwood, was bailiff to Lord Mansfield. He was brought up as an architect and surv...


United States Inwood migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Inwood family emigrate to North America:

Inwood Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • James Inwood, who settled in Providence in 1779

Australia Inwood migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Inwood Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Edward Inwood, aged 20, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Telegraph"
  • Elizabeth Inwood (aged 18), a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Eliza"
  • Martha Inwood (aged 20), a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Eliza"

Contemporary Notables of the name Inwood (post 1700) +

  • Johyn Inwood, American Primetime Emmy Award nominated cinematographer and director, known for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015), American Woman (2018) and Scrubs (2001)
  • Mattias Inwood, American actor, known for The Shannara Chronicles (2016) and Will (2017)
  • Steve Inwood (b. 1947), American actor, known for Staying Alive (1983), Fame (1980) and Matlock (1986)
  • Henry William Inwood (1794-1843), English architect, archaeologist, classical scholar and writer
  • William Inwood (1771-1843), English architect and surveyor
  • Richard Neil Inwood (b. 1946), retired Bishop suffragan of Bedford, Archdeacon of Halifax (1995–2003)
  • Glenn Hema Inwood (b. 1968), New Zealand public relations specialist
  • Reginald Roy Inwood (1890-1971), Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross
  • Section Commander George Walter Inwood GC (1906-1941), posthumously awarded the George Cross for heroism


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  5. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  6. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)


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