How

How is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Hávi" or the Old English personal name "Háwa." The surname How is found predominantly in the northern regions of England.

History:

The surname How can be traced back to early medieval times, with records dating as far back as the 13th century. It is thought to have originated as a nickname, describing someone who was intelligent or wise. Over time, the surname became hereditary as it was passed down through generations.

Distribution:

The surname How is most commonly found in northern England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Durham. However, due to migration patterns over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname How can also be found in other parts of the United Kingdom and overseas.

Notable People:

  • Edwin How (1806–1877): English cricketer who played for Yorkshire and All-England XI.
  • George How (1906–1987): British politician who served as Member of Parliament for Luton.

Variants:

Variants of the How surname include Howe and Howes, which are also fairly common in England.

The surname How carries with it a rich history and a legacy of individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, from politics to sports.

There are approximately 2,023 people named How in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,175th most common surname in Britain. Around 31 in a million people in Britain are named How.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Joan
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Marilyn
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Wendy

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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