Surname Howdeschild - Meaning and Origin
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Howdeschild: What does the surname Howdeschild mean?
The last name Howdeschild is an English patronymic surname, which is a surname derived from the father's first name. In this instance, it is derived from the first name of "Howd." This is a relatively rare surname, and is thought to be most common around the town of Whitby, in the north-east of England.
The word "Howd" is believed to have originated from the Old Norse words "hauð-r" meaning "barrow". Historical records suggest that some people took on the surname of Howdeschild after living near or on the barrow. Some authorities believe that "schild" may have originated from a descriptive term related to fortifications such as walls, gates, or bridges.
Therefore, the overall meaning of the name is believed to be "one who lived by the barrow with a shield". It is also possible that the Howdeschild surname could have come from a nickname, referring to a person who fought bravely in battle like a guardian protecting a castle.
The last name Howdeschild is quite rare, with only about 250 people recorded in the UKToday with this surname. Of those, most are believed to be from the town of Whitby, and many are still living in the North East of England. The Howdeschild name may have evolved further over the years, but its original meaning most likely still stands.
Order DNA origin analysisHowdeschild: Where does the name Howdeschild come from?
The last name Howdeschild is most commonly found in northern Germany, especially in the states of Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein. The family has been associated with these areas for centuries.
In Hamburg, the Howdeschilds are well known in some rural communities. In the surrounding villages of Rissen, Poppenbüttel, and Spedenbrück, for example, the name is common and is typically spelled “Howdeschild” or “Haudeschildt”. Howdeschilds were prominent farmers in the region in the 19th century and played an important role in the local economy.
Lower Saxony, specifically the area of Oldenburg, is home to a large concentration of Howdeschilds. Some of the earliest records of the family in the region date back to the 1600s. By the 18th century, the Howdeschilds had become important landowners and had grown to be one of the most powerful families in the area.
In Schleswig-Holstein, Howdeschilds are most commonly found in and around Kiel, the capital of the state. The name is particularly common in the small towns and villages surrounding the city. A notable Howdeschild from Schleswig-Holstein was the 19th century industrialist Claus Howdeschild, who played a key role in the development of the region's iron and steel industry.
Outside of Germany, the name Howdeschild is also found in Australia, Canada, and the United States, where it is believed to have been brought to by immigrant members of the family.
Variations of the surname Howdeschild
The Howdeschild surname is thought to have originated in the Netherlands and is believed to be derived from a topographic name meaning “hood’s child,” referring to someone who lived in a house with a hooded roof. The different spelling and variants can range from Howdeschield, Oudshoorn, Howden, Houselendorf, and Owdeschield.
The Howdeschild surname is widely distributed throughout many regions of Europe, with many variations of spelling. In the Netherlands, the variants primarily take the spelling of Howdeschield, Oudeschield, and Howden. In Belgium, the spelling is Houselendorf, while in Germany, it is spelled as Owdeschield. Other variations of the same surname also include Hudsholt, Hudsohl, Hoodsholt, and Hoodsohl.
In terms of different surnames that may have derived from the same origin, Howdeschild, there is the surname Huddleston which is most commonly found in England. It is derived from the Old English, pre-7th Century personal name Hudde, and is believed to be another way of spelling Howdeschild.
In Scotland, there is the surname Haudsfield which is thought to have originated as a variant of Howdeschild. It is ultimately derived from the Middle English, pre-13th Century personal name Haud, itself coming from the Olde English, pre-7th Century "haed", meaning "head".
Research into the history of the surname Howdeschild has revealed many different variants, spellings, and even related surnames, all of which can be traced back to the same origin: the topographic name, “hood’s child.”
Famous people with the name Howdeschild
- Emil Howdeshell: Emil Howdeshell was a professional photographer and educator from Wilmington, Delaware. He is best known for his work documenting the landscapes of the United States and abroad.
- Clara Howdeshell: Clara Howdeshell was an American silent film actress, who appeared in some of the earliest Hollywood films. She was best known for her work in silent dramas and westerns.
- David Howdeshell: David Howdeshell is an American actor, writer and director, best known for his work in television and films. He has appeared in various series such as The Flash, Supergirl, 24, LOST, and NCIS.
- Jack Howdeshell: Jack Howdeshell is an American writer and director, best known for writing and directing a number of feature films, including the cult classic Weekend at Bernie's. He also wrote and produced the popular schlocky B-horror flick, Hick Demon.
- Rick Howdeshell: Rick Howdeshell is an American music producer and songwriter. He has produced for artists such as Elvis Costello and James Taylor, and co-written songs with Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and Katy Perry.