Woodie, of Germanic origin, is derived from the Old English word 'wudu', meaning 'wood'. It is often used as a surname but can also be found as a given name. The name gained some popularity in the United States during the 20th century, with notable figures like Woodie Guthrie and Woodie Callahan contributing to its recognition.
"Woodie is a rare name, with peaks in popularity around the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After World War I, there was a significant increase in births named Woodie, reaching over 30 annually from 1918 to 1926. However, by the 1940s, popularity began to decline, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded after 1975."