Howkins

Overview: Howkins is a British surname that has its roots in medieval England. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Hod" combined with the suffix "-kin", meaning "son of Hod". Over time, various spellings of the surname have emerged, including Howkins, Howkyns, and Howking.

History: The Howkins surname can be traced back to the early medieval period in England, with records indicating its presence in various regions across the country. The name was often associated with families who were engaged in agricultural or trade-based occupations.

Notable Individuals: Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the Howkins surname. This includes:

  • William Howkins (1774-1842): A renowned industrialist who played a crucial role in the development of the textile industry in the Midlands during the Industrial Revolution.
  • Margaret Howkins (1901-1978): A pioneering suffragette who campaigned for women's rights and social reform in early 20th-century Britain.
  • David Howkins (b. 1965): A contemporary artist known for his innovative use of mixed media and installations.

Variants: The Howkins surname has seen variations in its spelling over the centuries, including Howkyns, Howking, and Hokin. These variations often depend on regional dialects and phonetic changes that occurred over time.

Legacy: Today, the Howkins surname continues to be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and abroad, with individuals carrying on the family name across different professions and pursuits.

References:

  • Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • Reaney, P.H., and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge, 1997.

There are approximately 1,097 people named Howkins in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,871st most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Howkins.

Surname type: From name of parent

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

  • Christopher
  • David
  • Gary
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Timothy
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Ann
  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Joan
  • Julie
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Shirley
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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