Surname Woodbridge - Meaning and Origin
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Woodbridge: What does the surname Woodbridge mean?
The last name Woodbridge is of English origin and is a locational surname, derived from the place name Woodbridge. This name is derived from the Old English “wodebruge”, meaning “wooded bridge”, referring to a bridge that traversed a wooded area. This surname was likely given to someone who originally lived in or near Woodbridge, located in Suffolk, England.
Woodbridge as a surname is believed to have originated as early as the 12th century, and there is evidence of the Woodbridge family in England as far back as the 16th century. Today, the Woodbridge surname is most prevalent in England, particularly in Suffolk.
The Woodbridge name has been carried to many other parts of the world by those who emigrated over the years. For example, many people with the Woodbridge surname can be found throughout the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other countries.
The Woodbridge name is significant because it serves as a reminder of the long and rich history of a family that has been present and active throughout the world for hundreds of years. This name serves as a testament to the endurance of individuals, families, communities and nations. It is a reminder of the power of tradition, of the journeys that our ancestors made, and of the legacy that we leave behind.
Order DNA origin analysisWoodbridge: Where does the name Woodbridge come from?
The last name Woodbridge is most commonly found in some of the northeastern states in the United States, including Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Today, it is most prevalent in Massachusetts, where around 4,000 individuals carry the surname. It is also found in New York (2,000-3,000 individuals), Pennsylvania (2,000-3,000 individuals), and New Jersey (1,000-1,500 individuals) as well as in Texas (around 500 individuals).
The surname Woodbridge is thought to have originated in the English town of Woodbridge in Suffolk. It is believed that the surname was given to families who were living in the village or surrounding area. Records of the name appear as early as 1273 AD when the de Wudebrigg family held lands in this same county of Suffolk.
The name spread across England upon waves of migrations as families moved from Woodbridge and Surrey, UK, to the United States. It is also thought that some of the Woodbridges in the United States may have been of French Huguenot origin, suggesting that the surname may have traveled to North America from France.
Today, the Woodbridge family surname has held strong in the northeastern United States and also in states like Texas. While the name is less common in other areas of the United States, it remains an integral part of the American cultural landscape.
Variations of the surname Woodbridge
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Woodbridge include Woodbryge, Woodbridge, Woolybridge, Woolybrygge, Woodebryge, Woollybridge, Woodbury, Woodburie, Woodberie, Woodberry, Woolbridge, Woolbery, Woolberry and Woodburn.
Woodbridge is an English surname derived from the Old English word “wudubrycg” meaning “wood bridge”. It was likely derived from a name given to settlements located near a bridge built across a river or stream. It is most likely a topographical or habitational surname, which was given to someone who lived near or on a bridge made out of wood.
Woodbridge has been a popular surname in England for many centuries and a popular spelling all over the world. The most common spellings are Woodbridge, Woodbury, Woolybridge, and Woolbridge. The spellings Woodburie and Woodberie are less common, as well as Woodbryge and Woodebryge, which are very rare. The variant spellings Woolbery and Woolberry are derived from Woolbridge and the spelling Woodberry from Woodbury. Woodburn may be a slightly altered spelling of Woodbridge.
Overall, there are many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Woodbridge. It is important to note that although these names all have the same origin, they may refer to different families. It is essential to research each name with its variant spellings to ensure that you have the correct line and family associated with that surname.
Famous people with the name Woodbridge
- Robert Woodbridge: Seventeenth century Puritan divine.
- Elliott Woodbridge: Owner of KILN Lenovo, a design engagement agency.
- Richard Woodbridge: Founding member of the Free Democratic Party in Sweden.
- Cicely Woodbridge: English medieval nun.
- Stewart Woodbridge: 19th century interior decorator from New York.
- Barbra Woodbridge: Diplomat and Deputy Head of the United Nations Development Programme in Uganda.
- Reggie Woodbridge: English footballer who played for Plymouth Argyle.
- Gordon Woodbridge: Canadian inventor and businessman.
- Astrid Woodbridge: Miss Universe Venezuela in the 1990s.
- Robert Woodbridge: Scientist, physicist and inventor of the Woodbridge static converter.
- Paul Woodbridge: English actor and composer.
- William Woodbridge: English theologian and poet.
- Marian Woodbridge: English actress.
- John Woodbridge: American theologian and church historian.
- Thomas Woodbridge: English Quaker teacher and scholar.
- Charles Woodbridge: Scientist specializing in electricity and magnetism.
- Matthew Woodbridge: British drag artist and actor.
- James Woodbridge: Judge for the U.S. District Courts in New York City.
- Steve Woodbridge: Special effects artist and animator.
- Walter Woodbridge: English politician from the Wirral.