Ethel Woods

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Ethel Woods — English
270K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Ethel Woods is a name that combines English origins. The first name Ethel is a feminine given name of English origin. Ethel (also æthel) is an Old English word meaning "noble", today often used as a feminine given name. The word comes from the Old English word æthel, meaning "noble". It is frequently attested as the first element in Anglo-Saxon names, both masculine and feminine, e.g. Æthelhard, Æthelred, Æthelwulf; Æthelburg, Æthelflæd, Æthelthryth (Audrey). It corresponds to the Adel- and Edel- in continental names, such as Adolf (Æthelwulf), Albert (Adalbert), Adelheid (Adelaide), Edeltraut and Edelgard. Some of the feminine Anglo-Saxon names in Æthel- survived into the modern period (e.g. The surname Woods: Woods is a common surname of English, Scottish and Irish origin. People with this surname include: Aaron Woods (born 1991), Australian rugby league footballer Aaron Woods (politician) (1950–2025), American politician Aaron Woods (gridiron football) (born 1986), American and Canadian football player Abraham Woods, American civil rights leader Adam Woods (born 2001), Swedish singer Al Woods (American football) (born 1987), American football player Albert Woods (1816–1904), English officer of arms at the College of Arms in London Albert Woods (footballer), English footballer Albert H. Ethel is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 270K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Ethel reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Ethel

English

Ethel (also æthel) is an Old English word meaning "noble", today often used as a feminine given name. The word comes from the Old English word æthel, meaning "noble". It is frequently attested as the first element in Anglo-Saxon names, both masculine and feminine, e.g. Æthelhard, Æthelred, Æthelwulf; Æthelburg, Æthelflæd, Æthelthryth (Audrey). It corresponds to the Adel- and Edel- in continental names, such as Adolf (Æthelwulf), Albert (Adalbert), Adelheid (Adelaide), Edeltraut and Edelgard. Some of the feminine Anglo-Saxon names in Æthel- survived into the modern period (e.g.

Surname: Woods

Irish

Woods is a common surname of English, Scottish and Irish origin. People with this surname include: Aaron Woods (born 1991), Australian rugby league footballer Aaron Woods (politician) (1950–2025), American politician Aaron Woods (gridiron football) (born 1986), American and Canadian football player Abraham Woods, American civil rights leader Adam Woods (born 2001), Swedish singer Al Woods (American football) (born 1987), American football player Albert Woods (1816–1904), English officer of arms at the College of Arms in London Albert Woods (footballer), English footballer Albert H.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Ethel is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Ethel by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Ethel Woods

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Ethel Woods:

9
Expression Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

22
Soul Urge Number

Master Builder (Master Number 22). Combines grand vision with the practical ability to achieve lasting, large-scale goals.

5
Personality Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Ethel?
The first name Ethel originates from English. Ethel (also æthel) is an Old English word meaning "noble", today often used as a feminine given name. The word comes from the Old English word æthel, meaning "noble". It is frequently attested as the first element in Anglo-Saxon names, both masculine and feminine, e.g. Æthelhard, Æthelred, Æthelwulf; Æthelburg, Æthelflæd, Æthelthryth (Audrey). It corresponds to the Adel- and Edel- in continental names, such as Adolf (Æthelwulf), Albert (Adalbert), Adelheid (Adelaide), Edeltraut and Edelgard. Some of the feminine Anglo-Saxon names in Æthel- survived into the modern period (e.g.
When was Ethel most popular?
The name Ethel reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Woods?
The surname Woods originates from Irish. Woods is a common surname of English, Scottish and Irish origin. People with this surname include: Aaron Woods (born 1991), Australian rugby league footballer Aaron Woods (politician) (1950–2025), American politician Aaron Woods (gridiron football) (born 1986), American and Canadian football player Abraham Woods, American civil rights leader Adam Woods (born 2001), Swedish singer Al Woods (American football) (born 1987), American football player Albert Woods (1816–1904), English officer of arms at the College of Arms in London Albert Woods (footballer), English footballer Albert H.
What are the origins of the name Ethel Woods?
The name Ethel Woods combines two different traditions: the first name Ethel has English roots, while the surname Woods originates from Irish.
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