Summary

The surname Woodruff is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words 'wudu' meaning 'wood' and 'hryðe' meaning 'shrub'. It is believed to have originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived near a clump of shrubs or a wooded area. Woodruff has a rich history and is prevalent in various English-speaking countries.
There are
26286
Woodruffs in the USA
Woodruff is the
1341st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Woodruff

WilfordWoodruff

Wilford Woodruff (1807-1898) was the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving from 1889 until his death in 1898. He is known for his role in the abolition of polygamy within the LDS Church.

SarahWoodruff

Sarah Woodruff is a fictional character from the novel 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' written by John Fowles. She is a mysterious and intriguing woman who becomes the center of a love affair and scandal in Victorian England.

FrankWoodruff

Frank Woodruff Buckles (1901-2011) was a United States Army corporal and the last surviving American veteran of World War I. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1917 and served in France as an ambulance driver.

EllenWoodruff

Ellen Woodruff Moura is a Canadian-American choreographer and dancer known for her work with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She has choreographed numerous dance pieces and received several awards for her contributions to the dance community.

NatalieWood

Natalie Wood (1938-1981) was an American actress who started her career as a child actor and gained fame for her roles in films like 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'West Side Story.' She was a three-time Academy Award nominee.

RobertWoodruff

Robert Woodruff (1889-1985) was an influential American businessman and philanthropist. He was the president of The Coca-Cola Company from 1923 to 1954 and is credited with transforming the company into a global brand.

WilhelminaWoodruff

Wilhelmina Woodruff is an American author known for her novels and works of historical fiction. She has written several books, including 'Blue Quail Summer' and 'Tending Roses,' which have gained critical acclaim.

WilliamE.

William E. Woodruff (1795-1885) was an American journalist and newspaper editor. He founded the Arkansas Gazette, the oldest continuously operated newspaper west of the Mississippi River, and played a significant role in the early development of Arkansas.

MarthaMcClellan

Martha McClellan Brown (1838-1916), born Martha Woodruff, was an American women's rights advocate and temperance reformer. She was a prominent figure in the suffrage movement and lobbied for women's rights and prohibition.

JohnWoodruff

John Woodruff (1915–2007) was an American middle-distance runner who won a gold medal in the 800 meters at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He overcame racial discrimination to achieve success in his sport and became an influential coach in later years.

Woodruff Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Woodruff' is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words 'wudu' meaning 'wood' and 'hrof' meaning 'roof' or 'dwelling.' The name likely referred to someone who lived near or worked with the wood or forest.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Woodruff' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. It is also found in smaller numbers in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Woodruff' include 'Woodroof,' 'Woodroffe,' and 'Woodroff.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Woodruff' has been carried by individuals who migrated or immigrated to various countries during different time periods. Many individuals with the name 'Woodruff' emigrated from England to North America in the 17th and 18th centuries.