Atwood is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from an Old English surname that was originally used to denote someone who lived near the corner or the wooded area of a settlement. The name Atwood is composed of two elements: 'ætt' meaning family or kin, and 'wod' which signifies wood.
The use of Atwood as a given name is relatively recent, with its popularity growing in the mid-20th century. It has since become more widely recognized due to notable figures such as Canadian author Margaret Atwood, known for her works including "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Cat's Eye."
Atwood is not particularly associated with any specific cultural or religious traditions. Instead, it stands out as a unique choice, appealing to parents who prefer unconventional names with historical roots.
As of today, Atwood remains quite rare, making it an uncommon yet attractive option for those seeking a distinctive name for their child. It is important to note that while Atwood may be less common than other names, its English origins and association with prominent figures like Margaret Atwood give it a rich history and cultural significance.
The name Atwood has been a part of the American naming landscape for over a century, with fluctuations in its popularity over time. According to Social Security records, there were six babies named Atwood born in the United States in 1911, marking the beginning of this name's recorded history.
The decade following saw a peak in popularity for the name Atwood, with the most births occurring in 1917 with seventeen babies sharing this unique moniker. This was followed by a steady decline in the number of babies named Atwood until the 1940s and 1950s when the birth totals remained consistently low, with fewer than ten occurrences each year.
After several decades of rarity, the name Atwood started to reappear on American birth certificates more frequently beginning in the new millennium. There were five births in both 2001 and 2017, with a notable spike in popularity occurring between 2018 and 2023. During this period, there were nine babies named Atwood born in 2018 alone, followed by five births each in 2019 and 2022.
In total, since its first recorded use in the United States in 1911, the name Atwood has been chosen for a cumulative total of 364 babies born over the course of nearly eleven decades. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name Atwood has ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet classic-sounding name for their child.