Woodrow is an English given name and surname that originally derived from a place name, meaning "row of houses by a wood" in Old English. It is composed of the Old English elements wudu (wood) and rǣw or rāw (row, as in a row of houses). The name was originally used as a surname, often toponymic, referring to someone who lived near a row of trees or in a row of houses in the woods, or specifically from a place like Wood Row in Hatfield Broad Oak, England. Etymology and History The shift from surname to given name was propelled by the American president Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924). Born Thomas Woodrow Wilson, he began using his mother's maiden name as a middle name after college, feeling that "Woodrow Wilson" sounded more dignified. During his presidency (1913–1921), the name gained widespread popularity in the United States, peaking at rank 44 in 1913. However, its use declined rapidly after Wilson left office. Notable Bearers Besides the president, notable individuals named Woodrow include; Woodrow A. Abbott (1919–1994), a United States Air Force officer; and Woodrow Borah (1912–1999), an American historian focusing on colonial Mexico. Other bearers include; Woodrow Chambliss (born 1948), US congressman from Georgia; and Woodrow Wolfrom (1913–1968), American baseball player. In popular culture, the name appears in film and television, such as the character Woody from the Pixar Toy Story franchise, whose full name is Woodrow "Woody" Pride. Cultural Significance The pet form of Woodrow is Woody, a casual diminutive that became familiar through pop culture. While the name Woodrow has declined in popularity since the 1920s, it retains a legacy as a presidential and American classic name, rarely used today but well-recognized. Meaning: "Row of houses by a wood" Origin: Old English (place name) Type: Surname became given name Usage regions: Primarily English, especially United States Related forms: Woody (diminutive)