HOWE
Howe
Origin and Meaning: Howe is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old Norse word "haugr," meaning hill or mound. It could also have originated from the Middle English word "hawe," referring to a small enclosed field. The name likely signified someone who lived near a hill or a small enclosed area.
Historical Significance: The Howe surname has a long history in England, with records dating back to the medieval period. The Howe family has been associated with various regions in England, including Essex, Norfolk, and Yorkshire.
Notable Individuals:
- Richard Howe (1726-1799): Admiral Richard Howe was a British naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. He was known for his strategic skills and played a crucial role in several naval battles.
- Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910): Julia Ward Howe was an American poet and author, best known for writing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," a patriotic song popular during the American Civil War.
- Geoffrey Howe (1926-2015): Geoffrey Howe was a British Conservative politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and later as Deputy Prime Minister under Margaret Thatcher's government.
Variations and Derivatives: Variations of the Howe surname include How, Howes, and Hoo. These variations may have originated from different regional dialects and historical spellings.
Popularity: The surname Howe remains fairly common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has also spread to other regions around the world as a result of migration and settlement.
Coat of Arms: The Howe family is associated with a distinctive coat of arms, typically featuring symbols like hills, swords, and lions. The specific design may vary based on the branch of the family and their historical accomplishments.
Legacy: The Howe surname has a rich legacy associated with military service, politics, literature, and various other fields. Descendants of the Howe family continue to contribute to society in diverse ways, upholding the name's historical and cultural significance.
References:
- Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Com, 1997.
- Reaney, Percy H., and Wilson, Richard M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 2005.
There are approximately 24,682 people named Howe in the UK. That makes it the 333rd most common surname in Britain. Around 379 in a million people in Britain are named Howe.
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
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Joanne
- Julie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.