[name_m]Woody[/name_m] [WUWD-ee] is from the Old [name_f]English[/name_f] wudulic meaning “woody, wooded, wild”. It is a common diminutive or nickname of names such as [name_m]Woodrow[/name_m], [name_m]Elwood[/name_m], [name_m]Sherwood[/name_m], etc. that contain the element wood and means just that. Many associations—both positive and negative—have been made with the name.
For me, [name_m]Woody[/name_m] embodies the carefree spirt of childhood. It is the thirst for adventure, exploration, and knowledge. It is campfire smoke, freshly turned earth, and the slick whisper of pages turning in the evening.
I have known two, both in their mid to late 20’s now. One is an author in the US and the other a farmhand in the UK. They have greatly influenced my perception of the name and it’s wearability.
What do you think of the name [name_m]Woody[/name_m]? Which, if any, of the combos below do you think are keepers? [name_f]Do[/name_f] you have any suggestions?
From a U.K. perspective I definitely think [name_m]Toy[/name_m] [name_u]Story[/name_u] before I think erection [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Allen[/name_m] is of course a famous bearer of the name and a very off-putting man, but I don’t think that rules it out completely as there are other associations.
I like the idea of [name_m]Sherwood[/name_m] very much
I do associate it with [name_m]Toy[/name_m] [name_u]Story[/name_u], but I’d be pleased to meet a [name_m]Woody[/name_m]. It feels fun, vintage, rugged, outdoorsy; it has the vibes of [name_u]Reggie[/name_u], [name_m]Wilf[/name_m], [name_u]Freddie[/name_u], [name_u]Ronnie[/name_u], [name_u]Vinnie[/name_u], [name_u]Rex[/name_u], [name_u]Kit[/name_u] etc.
I like [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_u]Everett[/name_u], [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_u]Jasper[/name_u], [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_u]Elias[/name_u] and [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_u]Maxwell[/name_u]!
[name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Felix[/name_m], [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Ignatius[/name_m], [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Oscar[/name_m] and [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Reuben[/name_m] came to mind
So, I wouldn’t recommend it as a first name in the US because of previously mentioned associations, particularly the slang but if you want to go for it, go for it.
As a middle, it is definitely doable.
Without knowing exactly what you’re looking for, here are a few pairings suggestions that could also work with those nostalgic (and perhaps slightly woodsy/western) elements you mentioned:
To me, its imagery suits [name_m]Woody[/name_m] Harrelson more than [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Allen[/name_m]. Obv they both have the name, but I don’t think [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Allen[/name_m] suits the name (he suits his real name, [name_m]Allan[/name_m] better.)
I think it’s better as a nickname. (It’s [name_m]Woodrow[/name_m] Harrelson and “Heywood” [name_m]Allen[/name_m]. I’m not sure I could ever use it - because of the slang use and [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Allen[/name_m]. I’d rather go [name_m]Woodrow[/name_m] nn [name_u]Rowdy[/name_u]! [name_u]Or[/name_u] another outdoorsy, happy name.)
[name_f]My[/name_f] associations, in order:
Slang for erection
[name_m]Toy[/name_m] [name_u]Story[/name_u]
Detective [name_m]Woodrow[/name_m] “Woody” [name_m]Hoyt[/name_m] from Crossing [name_u]Jordan[/name_u]
[name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Allen[/name_m] and all of…that
That said, I secretly like the name [name_m]Woody[/name_m]. [name_m]Woodrow[/name_m] or [name_m]Sherwood[/name_m] or even a tree name first name with the nn [name_m]Woody[/name_m] do have an appeal. They make me think of old suits, pocket watches and the smell of tobacco. Your combos [name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_u]Francis[/name_u], [name_u]Elliot[/name_u] and [name_u]Jasper[/name_u] fit this wonderfully.
However, I don’t really know how usable it is. There is a lot of room for teasing potential. Then again, there are guys out there named or called [name_m]Peter[/name_m] and Dick…
I’ve been quite busy with work and unable to reply but I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I appreciate all of these replies and love to see the varied opinions and interesting takes on [name_m]Woody[/name_m]. He—along with a few other crushes—will remain just that. But he’ll have a place on my list for some time.
[name_m]Woody[/name_m] [name_m]Allen[/name_m] is of course a famous bearer of the name and a very off-putting man, but I don’t think that rules it out completely as there are other associations.
