Surname Harward - Meaning and Origin
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Harward: What does the surname Harward mean?
The surname Harward is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English terms "here," meaning "army," and "weard," meaning "guard." Therefore, the name Harward generally translates to "army guard" or "guardian of the army." It is likely a name given to individuals who held a role or profession related to military defense or protection in ancient Anglo-Saxon societies. This is similar to many other Old English surnames that originated from professions, status, or geographical locations. Over time, Harward may have evolved into other similar surnames like Hayward or Howard. However, surname origins can be complex and speculative due to migration, regional dialects, and spelling variations over many centuries. Thus, it's important to consider genealogical research for more accurate and personalized ancestry information.
Order DNA origin analysisHarward: Where does the name Harward come from?
The surname Harward is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Hereweard." This name is composed of the elements "here," meaning army, and "weard," meaning guard. The original bearer of such a name can be inferred to have been a brave or proficient guard or warrior. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the name evolved and variants emerged including Hayward, Harwood, Harewood, and Howard among others. This surname first appeared in historical records in England, dating back to the early medieval period.
Today, Harward and its variants are found in many English-speaking countries. However, it is still most common in England, predominantly in the northern and eastern regions. In the United States, the concentration of Harwards is particularly significant in Utah, thanks to a 19th-century migration of a large Harward family from England who joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Wider distribution of the Harward surname can also be found across Australia and Canada.
Variations of the surname Harward
The surname Harward is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is considered a variant of the surname Hayward. As with many surnames, multiple spelling variations have evolved over centuries due to factors like the phonetic spelling in different regions, translations between languages, and varying literacy levels. The most common variants and spellings of Harward include Hayward, Haywood, Heyward, Heywood, Harwood, Haward, and Hayard.
The name 'Harward' originates from the Old English terms 'hege', meaning hedge or fence, and 'weard', meaning guard, referencing those who worked as a professional guards of the fenced or hedged enclosures. All the variations of Harward point to this occupational origin.
As for related surnames, one should also consider Heywardson and Haywardson, which specifically signify "son of Heyward or Hayward. Besides these, you may come across some very rare or less frequently used variants like Hawardt or Harwoard. No matter the spelling, all of these surnames likely have a similar root in the Old English language, and refer back to the ancient occupation of a Hayward or the guardian of an enclosed forest.
Famous people with the name Harward
- Robert S. Harward: A retired United States Navy SEAL and a former Deputy Commander of the United States Central Command, Harward also previously served as the Deputy Commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command and as Commander of Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435.
- Gordon Harward: An American hostage who was held captive in Lebanon by Iranian-backed terrorists from 1985 to 1991. Looking beyond the exact spelling to likely derivations of the surname Harward:
- Bryce Howard: An American actress and filmmaker, known for roles in "The Help", "Jurassic World", and "Black Mirror". She is the daughter of renowned filmmaker Ron Howard.
- Ron Howard: An American filmmaker and actor. He first gained fame for his roles in "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Happy Days". He went on to direct critically acclaimed films like "A Beautiful Mind" and "Apollo 13".
- Clint Howard: An American actor, the younger brother of Ron Howard. He has appeared in numerous films, including many directed by his brother. Many people with surname variations of "Harward" are active in fields like academia, music, business, and law but may not be considered universally "famous".