Sherwood is an uncommon given name of English origin. It was popularized by Sir Walter Scott's novel "Ivanhoe," which features a character named Wilfred of Ivanhoe who hails from the fictional town of Sherwood in Nottinghamshire, England. The name Sherwood itself is derived from Old English elements 'scir' meaning 'bright' or 'clear,' and 'wudu' meaning 'wood.' Therefore, Sherwood could be interpreted as 'bright wood' or 'clear wood.'
The use of Sherwood as a given name appears to have been relatively uncommon until the late 19th century when Scott's novel gained popularity. Since then, it has been used sporadically in English-speaking countries.
There are no notable individuals named Sherwood aside from fictional characters like Wilfred of Ivanhoe and Robin Hood, who is said to have lived in the real Sherwood Forest located in Nottinghamshire. The forest itself was historically significant during the reign of King Richard I (also known as Richard the Lionheart), as it was a refuge for outlaws and rebels.
In literature and popular culture, Sherwood has been associated with tales of heroism, bravery, and rebellion against tyranny. However, its usage as a given name remains relatively rare outside of these contexts. Overall, Sherwood is an unusual and distinctive name that carries historical significance tied to English literature and folklore.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Sherwood in the United States from 1891 to 2023, we can observe several trends and patterns over time.
The name Sherwood first appeared in the U.S. baby name data in 1891 with a total of 5 births that year. It continued to appear intermittently until 1906 when there were 10 births recorded. The number of babies named Sherwood began to increase steadily starting from 1910, reaching 20 births that year and peaking at 120 births in 1938.
The popularity of the name Sherwood reached its zenith during the 1940s and early 1950s. During this period, there were consistently high numbers of babies named Sherwood each year, with a peak of 109 births in 1947. However, starting from the mid-1950s, the number of babies named Sherwood began to decline rapidly.
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the name Sherwood had fallen out of favor, with fewer than 50 births recorded each year. This trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of babies named Sherwood fluctuating between single digits.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Sherwood, with around 6 to 10 births recorded each year since 2006. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to its peak decades earlier.
Overall, while the name Sherwood has had periods of popularity and obscurity over the past century and a half, it has never been among the most common names in the United States. With a total of 5662 births recorded since 1891, Sherwood remains a distinctive and relatively rare name choice for parents in the U.S.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Sherwood has waxed and waned over time, it continues to be a unique and historically significant name in the United States. Parents who choose this name for their children may appreciate its rich history and distinctive sound.