Kurtwood

Kurtwood is a masculine given name in English-speaking countries. It is uncommon and is most often encountered as the first name of a single well-known bearer, the American actor Kurtwood Smith. The form appears to be a modern compound, likely created by combining the given name Kurt with the element wood, rather than the result of a long-established traditional naming pattern.

Usage and distribution: Kurtwood has been used primarily in the United States since the mid-20th century, with no sustained, widespread use in other regions. As a result, it is considered a rare name in contemporary records.

Notable bearers: Kurtwood Smith (born 1943) is a prominent American actor whose screen career spans film, television, and theatre. He is best known for his role as Red Forman on the television series That ’70s Show and for the villain Clarence Boddicker in RoboCop (1987). His prominence has imparted some public recognition to the name.

Other uses: There are no widely recognized places, organizations, or fictional entities standardly bearing the name Kurtwood. In onomastic references, the name is primarily treated as a given name rather than a surname.

See also: Kurt, a given name; Wood, an element used in many English compound names.