From the Saxon sher (scir), clear, and wood, a clearing in the wood, or the cleared woods; or as Bailey gives the word, "Sheer-wood, in Nottinghamshire." It may be derived from shire, (Sax.) scire, (Ger.) schier, to divide, a portion or division of land; of which divisions there are forty in England, twelve in Wales, and twenty-four in Scotland.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.

SHERWOOD. A well-known forest in Nottinghamshire, the scene of the adventures of Robin Hood and his companions.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.