The station opened on 22 August 1856 as part of the Eastern Counties Railway branch to Loughton which opened that day. Originally named "George Lane", the station was renamed twice: "South Woodford (George Lane)" on 5 July 1937; and "South Woodford" on 14 December 1947. The station formed part of the Great Eastern Railway's system until that company amalgamated with other railways to create the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) in 1923. On 5 July 1937 the station was renamed "South Woodford (George Lane)".