Woodward History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 


Woodward is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is a name for a forester. Looking back even further, we found the name was originally derived from the Old English words wode, meaning wood, and ward, meaning guardian or keeper. 1

Another source claims the name was from 'a woodward,' a forest officer who looked after wood and vert. 2

Early Origins of the Woodward family

The surname Woodward was first found in Essex where Commander Wadard 3 was granted lands by King William for his assistance at the Battle of Hastings. The first recorded scion of the family, (Falaise Roll,p 112,) Commander Wadard assembled King William's army at Saint Valery in Normandy for the invasion of England. It was he, Wadard, who advised King William of the Saxon King Harold's approach from the north at Hastings. He is depicted on the famous Bayeux Tapestry on a foraging expedition. His portrait suggests that he held a senior rank. His descendents, Henry and Simon Wadard, were still Lords of their respective Manors in Essex in 1278.

Other early listings of the name include: Sewhal le wuderward who was in the Pipe Rolls of Hampshire in 1208; Ralph de (sic) Wodeward who was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Hertfordshire in 1230; and Robert Wodeward who was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1296. 1 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Aylward le Wodeward in Oxfordshire; and Adam le Wodewarde in Somerset. 2

Early History of the Woodward family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Woodward research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1086, 1290, 1490, 1590, 1640, 1657, 1675, 1698, 1712 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Woodward History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Woodward Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Woodward has been recorded under many different variations, including Woodward, Woodard, Woodwards, Woodyard, Wadard and many more.

Early Notables of the Woodward family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Woodward World Ranking

In the United States, the name Woodward is the 733rd most popular surname with an estimated 39,792 people with that name. 4 However, in Australia, the name Woodward is ranked the 503rd most popular surname with an estimated 7,566 people with that name. 5 And in New Zealand, the name Woodward is the 491st popular surname with an estimated 1,393 people with that name. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Woodward as 272nd with 22,159 people. 7


Woodward migration to the United States +

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Woodwards were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America:

Woodward Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Woodward Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Woodward Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Woodward migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Woodward Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Woodward Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Woodward migration to Australia +

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

Woodward Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
Woodward Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Woodward migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Woodward Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Woodward (post 1700) +


The Woodward Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Virtus semper viret
Motto Translation: Virtue is always flourishing.
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