Origin and Meaning of Harwood

Meaning & Origin

Hard wood; a type of tree or woods

Origin: Old English - Derived from the combination of the Old English words 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'wudu' meaning 'wood', or from 'har' meaning 'hard' and 'wudu' meaning 'wood'.

Interesting Facts

  • Harwood was originally used as a surname in Anglo-Saxon England, often denoting someone who lived near or worked with a grove of hard trees.
  • The name is more common in English-speaking countries and has seen usage as both a first name and a surname.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Harwood Phillips, a prominent American politician in the early 20th century.
  • The name Harwood has not been consistently popular as a first name but has maintained a niche presence in the United States and the United Kingdom.
  • Variations of the name include Harwoodson, and it is commonly used alongside other names in hyphenated forms.