Surname Howdashell - Meaning and Origin

Howdashell: What does the surname Howdashell mean?

The last name Howdashell is of German origin and is a topographic surname, which means that it originates from a location. It is derived from the German "hoh uf dem Hasel" which literally translates to 'high on the hazel tree'. The name was probably given to someone who lived near a hill or hillside that was inhabited by a number of hazel trees.

As a topographic surname, Howdashell is quite rare and may have only been used by a few families. It is usually assumed to be a localized name, which is found mainly in the southeastern part of Germany; an area that borders both Poland and the Czech Republic. Although some of its variant spellings can also be found in other European countries, such as Austria and Switzerland.

The literal meaning of the last name Howdashell has an interesting suggestion to it; that of someone that lives on top of a hazel tree hill. It suggests an individual who is industrious, resourceful and relatively independent and self-sufficient. Its root also implies that the bearer was probably familiar with the outdoors and its natural surroundings; perhaps a hunter, forester or gardener or someone who had an affinity for nature and a passion to explore it.

Overall, the Howdashell surname is uncommon and is believed to have originated in Germany. It is a topographic name that literally translates to 'high on the hazel'. Its bearer likely had an affinity for nature and was likely an independent, industrious, and resourceful individual.

Howdashell: Where does the name Howdashell come from?

The last name Howdashell is most commonly found in the United States and mainly concentrated in the Midwestern region. It is the 9,100th most common surname in the country, and is shared by around 739 people.

The name Howdashell likely has English or Spanish origin, as the ending "-ashell" is a sign of a Spanish name. It likely formed as a patronymic surname. Patronymic surnames are usually derived from the first name of the father. "Howda" is a variation of the name "Howden" or "Hodan", which in turn are derived from a Norse or Old English name, possibly "Halldan" or "Hulda". However, its exact origin is uncertain.

Most people with the last name Howdashell are found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Nebraska, and New York. They are also evenly distributed in states like Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri.

The Howdashell family in the United States is largely descended from a man named Lewis Howdashell, who came to America from either Germany or Sweden in the mid-to-late 1700s. A large number of his descendants have since spread throughout the Midwest, although some have since migrated to other parts of the country.

Variations of the surname Howdashell

The surname Howdashell is an English-origin name, with its base form first appearing in records dating back to the mid-18th century. Commonly, various spelling variants can be found including Howdeshell, Howdescheles, Howdeshel and Howdshell. These spellings differ due to either the transcriber’s errors, or in some cases due to a chosen spelling by the bearer of the name.

Surnames of a similar origin to Howdashell include Howdyshell, Howdieshell, Howdishall, Howdishill and Howdeschell. These surnames evolved in two distinct ways. Firstly, through a slow alteration of the spelling of the primary form of the name, Howdashell, and secondly, through a division between those using the ‘d’ and those using the ‘t’. As a result, the Howdashell surname split into two separate, but related, families; those using the ‘d’ spelling, and those using the ‘t’ spelling, with the two names founder’s branches then mutating further into the above listed variants.

There are also alternative surname origins for names that sound similar to Howdashell. These include the English Howe and Howell names, as well as the Swedish Högfeldt, Högfelt, Hogfeld and Hogfelt names. These names all share the same base element of ‘hough’ or ‘hol’, meaning a hill or knoll.

In conclusion, whilst the name Howdashell is distinct and can be traced to a clear origin, it is clear that other variations, both in spelling and in alternate origin are closely allied in the same family tree.

Famous people with the name Howdashell

• Christopher Howdashell, American folk artist and puppeteer.
• Troy Howdashell, former collegiate American football coach.
• Randie Howdashell, co-founder and designer of ShopPrettyGirl.com.
• Hunter Howdashell, American hip hop producer & artist.
• Pat Howdashell, former professional Major League Baseball player.
• Rich Howdashell, American drag car racer, owner and crew chief.
• Chantel Howdashell, American conceptual artist.
• Shawn Howdashell, American professional wrestler known by his ring name, "Logic".
• Joseph Howdashell, American artist, educator and curator.
• Steve Howdashell, American electrical engineer and inventor.

Other surnames

HowdasheldHowdashelt