Surname Horns - Meaning and Origin
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Horns: What does the surname Horns mean?
The surname Horns is of Anglo-Saxon origin and can be traced back to ancient times in Great Britain. It is a topographic name derived from Old English "horn" which means a horn or a projecting spur of a hill, implying it was often given to individuals who lived near a horn-shaped geographical feature, like a hill or a bend in a river. The name could also derive from an occupational name for someone who made or sold small articles made from horn, a significant industrial product in the Middle Ages. It was also used as a metonymic occupational name for someone who played a musical instrument made from a horn. Lastly, it could be a patronymic name for someone who was the "son of Horn". Like many surnames, the specific etymology of 'Horns" may differ based on geographical locations and historical contexts. Today, it is found in various parts of the world due to the diffusion of populations. Characters such as physical landmarks, trade or profession, and even nicknames could influence the formation of surnames like Horns.
Order DNA origin analysisHorns: Where does the name Horns come from?
The last name Horns is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was first found in Yorkshire, England, where the Horns family held a family seat from ancient times. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English "horn", which could refer to a horn player, someone who lived near a horn-shaped geographical feature or someone who wore a horned helmet.
Variations of the name Horns include Horn, Horne, Athorne, Athorn and others. With migration, family branches of the Horns have spread throughout different countries over centuries.
Today, people with the last name Horns can be found in various countries around the world. However, it is most commonly found in the United States, followed by Germany, according to the distribution data of last names. Despite its Anglo-Saxon roots, the name is not very common in England today. In Germany, it's likely that some bearers of the name may have a separate lineage, as Horn and its derivatives are also native German surnames. Nonetheless, like many surnames, the distribution of the name Horns continues to change with global movement and intermarriage.
Variations of the surname Horns
The surname Horns is of ancient Anglo-Saxon origin and has various spellings, variants and associated surnames, derived from either geographical locations or occupational traits.
Alternative spellings to Horns include Horne, Horner, Orne, and Horn. Each of these may have been variously adapted due to regional dialects and accents.
The surname Horne is more prevalent and could be related to the surname Horns. It has been traced back to Surrey in 1086 and is derived from Old English "horn” which refers to a "projecting spur of land” or a bend in a river or coastline. Similarly, the surname Horn derived from Old English is prevalent in Norfolk and Yorkshire, England.
The surname Horner is occupational and derives from the craft of making items out of horn such as spoons, buttons and combs.
Additionally, there are similar surnames of a different origin, such as the German surnames Hörn, Hornung, Hörning, and the Dutch surname van Hoorn.
It is important to note that similar spellings do not guarantee the same origin as regional, linguistic, and personal interpretations over centuries have granted a wide diversity to surnames. Only full genealogical research can provide accurate lineage and origins.
Famous people with the name Horns
- Aaron Horns: an Australian-born professional drifter and stunt driver who has performed in several films.
- Christine Horns: a Swiss alpine skier.
- Erika Horns: a Swedish singer-songwriter and poet.
- Gary Horns: a former NFL linebacker.
- Heinrich Horns: a German painter.
- Janis Horns: an American actress, director, and playwright.
- John Horns: an American film producer and studio executive.
- Jon Horns: an American film producer.
- Liane Horns: a Dutch actor.
- Malte Horns: a German CEO and investor.
- Marius Horns: an Austrian contemporary classical composer.
- Max Horns: a German lacrosse player and coach.
- Nellie Horns: a British-American actress and director.
- Robin Horns: an American actor and editor.
- Stefan Horns: a German footballer.
- Thomas Horns: a German three-time Olympic Champion gymnast.
- Vincent Horns: an American professional basketball player.
- Walter Horns: a German rector of the University of Cologne.
- William Horns: an American Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court.