Arwood
A boy's name of Old English origin with 15 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Arwood, you're looking at a name that fewer than 15 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Arwood a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
Arwood is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Arwood is a rare surname-turned-given-name of Old English origin, likely derived from a place name meaning "at the wood" — from æt (at) and wudu (wood, forest). This type of locational surname was common in medieval England and often refers to where a family lived or originated.
Using surnames as first names has been a long American tradition, and Arwood has the rugged, outdoorsy feel of names like Harwood, Oakwood, or Elwood. It's a name that sounds like it belongs to someone with deep roots in a particular place.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Arwood is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (1920–1935). Its Old English roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 15 total births, Arwood exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Arwood has 3+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1920.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 10 | — |
The Story of Arwood
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1920, Arwood is a name steeped in history. Boys named Arwood are most likely born between 1920 and 1930.
How rare is Arwood?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Arwood is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1920, peaked in the 1920s with 10 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(3 years, 1920–1935)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1935 | 5 | #3673 |
| 1924 | 5 | #4390 |
| 1920 | 5 | #4334 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arwood a boy's or girl's name?
When was Arwood most popular?
How popular is the name Arwood?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1920–1935