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Elwood
Pronounced EHL-wood /ΛΙl.wΚd/Medium
Meaning: Elder tree forestMedium
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
The name is a place-and-nature compound, joining a word for the elder tree to 'wood', and it began life as an English surname and place name before being used for people. Its meaning paints a literal picture: a stand of elder trees, a real spot on the land. That earthy, rural sense gives the name an old-fashioned, woodsy charm.
One bearer of note is Elwood Haynes, the American inventor and automotive pioneer who built one of the first U.S. automobiles. The two-part 'El-wood' shape pairs it naturally with other -wood names in the English tradition.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
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Elwood Haynes (1857β1925)American inventor and automotive pioneer who built one of the first U.S. automobiles.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Elwood mean?
Elwood is usually explained as meaning 'elder tree forest' and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Elwood?
It's commonly said EHL-wood /ΛΙl.wΚd/.
Is Elwood a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Elwood is used as a boy name.
How popular is Elwood?
In 2024, Elwood ranked #2134 in the U.S. for boys, with 69 births recorded.