Portwood (surname)

The surname Portwood is of English origin, and is locational. It derives from a place name, indicating that the original bearer of the name likely hailed from a specific location or held land there. The name is thought to originate from a place meaning "port wood" or "market wood." "Port" can refer to a market town or trading place, and "wood" refers to a wooded area. Therefore, Portwood likely describes a wood near a market or a wood used for trading or providing timber for trade.

The surname is found primarily in England, with concentrations in particular regions, a pattern common with locational surnames. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have varied, leading to slightly different forms. Genealogical research is often required to trace the specific origins of individual families bearing the name Portwood.