Backhouse

Backhouse is a surname of English origin, found predominantly in the northern regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name is believed to be locational in nature, deriving from the Old English words "bæc" meaning 'back' and "hūs" meaning 'house'. It is thought to have denoted a residence situated at the back or rear of another building or structure.

The first recorded instance of the surname Backhouse dates back to the 13th century, with early spellings including Bacus, Bakehouse, and Bakus. The name has since evolved into its current form of Backhouse. Over the centuries, branches of the Backhouse family have spread throughout England, and the surname can now be found in various parts of the country and beyond.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Backhouse include John Backhouse (1779–1849), a prominent Quaker botanist and horticulturist, known for his contributions to plant taxonomy and plant cultivation.

The Backhouse name is a part of the rich tapestry of British surnames, reflecting the historical landscape and origins of the people of the British Isles.

There are approximately 4,027 people named Backhouse in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,325th most common surname in Britain. Around 62 in a million people in Britain are named Backhouse.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Tim

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Ruth
  • Sarah
  • Simone
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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