Pronunciation: [ˈɛlwʊd] (IPA) 
Elwood is a name which is spelled as /ˈɛlwʊd/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first sound, /ɛ/, is pronounced as the 'e' in 'red'. The second sound, /l/, is pronounced as the 'l' in 'lemon'. The third sound, /w/, is pronounced as the 'w' in 'wish'. The final sound, /ʊd/, is pronounced as the 'oo' in 'good'. Therefore, Elwood is pronounced "el-wood" with emphasis on the first syllable.
Elwood is a proper noun that can have several meanings and may refer to different things depending on the context. It can be a given name, surname, a place, or even the name of a fictional character.
As a given name, Elwood is often derived from the Old English elements "aelf" meaning "elf" and "wudu" meaning "wood." In this sense, Elwood can be understood as "dweller in the elfin wood" or "friend of the elves." It is a masculine name that has been used since medieval times. People named Elwood are often considered to be gentle, kind-hearted, and imaginative beings.
As a surname, Elwood may have various origins. It can be of locational origin, indicating someone who comes from a place called Elwood. Additionally, it can also be a variant of the surname Ellwood, which comes from the Middle English personal name "El(l)e-wod," meaning "noble lineage."
Elwood can also refer to a geographical location, such as the Elwood Park in Australia or the towns named Elwood in various states of the United States. These places are often characterized by their natural beauty, tranquility, or historical significance.
Lastly, Elwood can be the name of a fictional character. One of the most well-known fictional Elwoods is Elwood P. Dowd, a central character from the play and movie "Harvey." Elwood P. Dowd is portrayed as an amiable and eccentric man who claims to have an imaginary friend in the form of a giant rabbit, which leads to hilarious and heartwarming situations.
The name "Elwood" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Æthelweald", which is composed of the elements "æthel", meaning "noble", and "weald", meaning "ruler" or "power". Over time, the name evolved and was spelled in various ways, eventually settling on "Elwood". It is a surname that can also be used as a given name.
