Find out how popular the first name Norwood has been for the last 24 years (from 1974 to 1997) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Norwood by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Norwood is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1997, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Norwood.

The history of the first name Norwood

The given name Norwood has its origins in the ancient Anglo-Saxon language spoken in England before the Norman conquest of 1066. It is a compound name derived from the Old English words "norð" meaning north and "wudu" meaning wood or forest. Thus, the literal meaning of Norwood is "north wood" or "northern forest."

While the name's etymology can be traced back over a millennium, its earliest recorded use as a first name is believed to be in the late 12th century. One of the earliest documented individuals with this name was Norwood of Norwood, a minor landholder who lived in the village of Norwood, Surrey, England in the late 1100s.

Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, the name remained relatively obscure, with only a handful of notable figures bearing it. One such individual was Sir Norwood Trevilian (1456-1513), a prominent English knight who served under King Henry VII and played a crucial role in the Battle of Stoke Field during the War of the Roses.

In the 17th century, the name gained some prominence with the birth of Norwood Penruddock (1617-1665), an English royalist who led an ill-fated uprising against Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate in 1655. Despite the failure of his rebellion, Penruddock's legacy lived on, and his name became associated with the struggle for traditional English values.

Another significant figure in the history of the name Norwood was Charles Norwood (1730-1809), an English churchman who served as the Bishop of Winchester from 1799 until his death. He was known for his charitable works and efforts to improve the lives of the poor in his diocese.

In more recent times, one of the most famous individuals to bear the name Norwood was the American author and illustrator Norwood Penrose Stallard (1892-1969). His children's books, including the popular "Bedtime Stories" series, delighted generations of young readers and featured whimsical illustrations of his own creation.

While not an exhaustive list, these five individuals represent some of the notable figures throughout history who have carried the given name Norwood, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and eras.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Norwood was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Norwood, please contact us.

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