Surname Hetherwood - Meaning and Origin

Hetherwood: What does the surname Hetherwood mean?

The surname Hetherwood is of English origin but it is not a commonly found surname, so its exact meaning is not well documented. It appears to be a compound of two English words: "hether" and "wood". "Hether" could be a variant of "heather", a type of shrub common in Europe, particularly in the British Isles, while "wood" in old English surnames often refers to a forest or a location with many trees. Therefore, it's possible that "Hetherwood" may indicate someone who lived near a wooded area where heather grew or could also mean 'from the heather wood'. However, this is speculative as there is no authoritative source confirming this interpretation. Also, the spelling of names often changed over centuries, and it could have originated differently. As with all surnames, they can potentially offer clues about a family’s geographical origins, their profession, or even physical characteristics or personal attributes of an ancestor. It's always fascinating to dive into the history of a surname and discover possible meanings behind it. More specific information would likely be available through genealogical research.

Hetherwood: Where does the name Hetherwood come from?

The last name Hetherwood is primarily found today in parts of the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. It is especially common in certain parts of the United Kingdom, including Staffordshire and Derbyshire in England, and parts of the Scottish Borders -such as Berwickshire and Peeblesshire- and East Lothian.

Moreover, records show that the name is also settled in Australia. Hetherwoods have been believed to have taken their surname to the country during the early 20th century. It is especially prevalent in and around New South Wales, particularly in the suburban city of Marrickville.

As with other British surnames, it is also relatively common in the United States, where Hetherwood families have been established since the early days of colonial America. The 2000 US Census record states that the name is equally found in both states on the East Coast (New York, Massachusetts, and Virginia primarily).

Today, the name remains uncommon in comparison to other British surnames, although records indicate that the name has been established in multiple parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Hetherwood

The surname Hetherwood is an English and Scottish patronymic surname derived from the name Hereward, a personal name from the Old English words "here" meaning "army," and "ward" meaning "guard." Variants of the surname include Hereward, Hearward, Heartwood, Headworth, Headwood, Headward, Haward, Hemerord, Hetherkirk, and Hetherwick.

Spellings of the surname can include Hetherwood, Etherwood, Hatherwood, Eatherwood, Hadereswode, Headereswood, Hadreiswode, Headereswode, Etherworde, Hatherford, Heaterford, Hadtersford, Heatersford, Hatherwode, Heaterwode, Hetwood, Hethurwood and Hederswood.

Surnames of the same origin are Harwood, Hearwood, Haward, Hadormon, Hadwin, Hathorn, Heathorn, Heward, Hawin, Hawden, Heddon, Henwood, Hine, Hiney, Henly, Heney, Heyward, Heywood, Hillyard, and Hoylin.

The surname has also been Anglicised to other spellings as a result of migration, and may be found in some countries with spellings such as Hethelwood, Etherswood, Hatwood, or Etherwood. There are numerous other spellings that are commonly found in records, most of which are slight deviations of the same basic spelling.

Famous people with the name Hetherwood

• Katherine Hetherwood: Canadian television presenter and actress.
• Taraji P. Henson: American actress.
• Craig Hetherwood: British actor, known for playing The Grand Inquisitor in Monty Python's Life of Brian.
• Emily Hetherington: British voice actress and singer.
• Lee Hetherington: Canadian football wide receiver for the Edmonton Eskimos.
• Joe Hetherington: Canadian professional ice hockey player who played with the Toronto Marlboros of the National Hockey League.
• Jocelyn Hetherington: American painter, printmaker and sculptor.
• Mike Hetherington: Australian rugby league player who played for the Manly Sea Eagles and Brisbane Broncos.
• Stuart Hetherington: British actor, writer, director and producer.
• Charlie Hetherington: British artist and former frontman of the ‘90’s band ‘Caitlin’.

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