HOWLAND
Howland
Origin and Meaning: Howland is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Hugaland," which combines the elements "hug," meaning heart or mind, and "land," signifying land or territory. The name may have originated as a topographic or occupational surname referring to someone who lived or worked on land associated with a person named Hugo.
History: The Howland surname has a long history in England, dating back to medieval times. The earliest recorded instance of the name is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Houland." Over the centuries, bearers of the surname Howland have been found throughout various regions of England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Essex.
Notable Individuals:
- John Howland (c. 1592-1672) – An early English settler to America who arrived aboard the Mayflower in 1620 and became one of the founding Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony.
- Elizabeth Howland (1607–1687) – The wife of John Howland, known for her role as a prominent figure in early American colonial history.
- William Dean Howells (1837–1920) – An American writer and literary critic of English descent, whose ancestors were named Howland.
Variants and Derivatives: Variants of the surname Howland include Howlland, Houlant, Howlend, and Houland. Some modern variations in spelling include Howlin, Howling, and Howlane.
Popularity: The surname Howland remains relatively uncommon in comparison to other English surnames. It is not among the most popular names in contemporary Britain but is still preserved by descendants of the historical Howland families.
Coat of Arms: The Howland family coat of arms features heraldic symbols representing strength, loyalty, and nobility. The exact design of the coat of arms may vary depending on the branch of the family. A typical depiction includes a shield divided into sections with various elements such as animals, crests, and colours.
Legacy: The Howland surname endures as a symbol of English heritage and the enduring ties that connect contemporary families to their medieval ancestors. It carries the stories of generations past, linking individuals to the historical events and migrations that shape the tapestry of English history.
There are approximately 2,022 people named Howland in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,178th most common surname in Britain. Around 31 in a million people in Britain are named Howland.
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Peter
Female
- Bernice
- Claire
- Helen
- Jane
- Jessica
- Julie
- Karen
- 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.