Surname Hows - Meaning and Origin

Hows: What does the surname Hows mean?

The last name Hows is an English surname originating from the Middle Ages. Its likely origins are from the Old English word "hūs," meaning "house" or "dwelling," as a locational name referring to someone who lived near, or owned, a house. It is also possible that Hows could be an abbreviation of Howard, which is derived from the same Old English word.

The surname Hows is found mainly in southeastern England, especially in Surrey, Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties. It is likely that the bearers of the name Hows were descendants of aristocratic or noble families, since these areas were dominated by powerful families during the Middle Ages. There is also evidence that the bearers of this surname were involved in farming, as part of the feudal system of manorial estates.

The Hows family has been involved in English history since at least the 16th century. They were involved in the political turmoil of the English Civil War in the 17th century, with several of their members on opposing sides. In the 19th century, members of the Hows family were prominent in business and politics.

Today, the Hows family name is found in England, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.

Hows: Where does the name Hows come from?

The last name Hows is predominantly found in the United Kingdom, especially in Northern England. The surname is known to have originated in County Durham and Yorkshire, and is particularly common in the towns of Sunderland and Hartlepool. The name is also found in Australia, Canada, and the United States, particularly along the East Coast.

It is believed that the surname is an abbreviation of the surname ‘Howse’, which was quite popular during medieval times. During this time, names associated with trades were becoming especially popular amongst families. As a result, many families adapting their surnames to fit the moment, either to reflect a trade (such as ‘Smith’) or simply to differentiate themselves from other families of the same name.

The surname ‘Howse’ eventually became 'Hows', especially prominent in the Northeast of England. The name is no longer as common as it once was, though it is still relatively popular in its traditional home, still appearing in North East England directories and records. Descendants of the Hows family can also be found in countries far from home, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Hows

The surname Hows is derived from the Old English word ‘haga’, meaning hedge. It is generally considered to be the source of other surnames such as Howse, Howes, and Howe.

Variants of the surname Hows include Hause, Hawse, Hauses, Hawses, Hous, and Hox. These variants often originated from different spellings and pronunciations of the name. The other surnames of the same origin include Hausey, Hawsey, Hawes, Howce, Howcen, Howcin, Howco, Howesen, Howey, Huffs, Huggs, and Huse.

The common spellings of the surname Hows include Hosse, How, Howes, Howse, and Howe. Different branches of the family may also have adopted variations of the surname, such as Hower, Howar, Howler, Howie, and Houles.

The surname is found in many English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. There is evidence to suggest that some bearers of the surname may also have originally been from Scotland and Ireland as well.

Having its origins in England, the surname Hows has an enduring presence in the British Isles. It is still commonly found in all these countries today, as well as other parts of the world, thanks to the transatlantic migrations of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Famous people with the name Hows

• Robert Hows: Ex professional British footballer who most recently played for Sittingbourne FC
• Billy Hows: English editor and sound designer in the British film industry
• Ben Hows: Contemporary British landscape painter
• William Henry Hows: British soldier who fought in World War I
• Justin Hows: British film and television actor
• David Hows: British electronic music producer
• Jessica Hows: Australian actress and model
• Jim Hows: Professional British golfer
• Met Hows: Australian Rugby Player
• Luke Hows: British musician and songwriter

Other surnames

HowaldHowaldtHowanHowardHowarthHowayHowchenHowchensHowchinHowchinsHowdascheldHowdaschellHowdascheltHowdaschildHowdaschillHowdaschiltHowdasheldHowdashellHowdasheltHowdenscheldHowdenschellHowdenscheltHowdenschildHowdenschillHowdenschiltHowdensheldHowdenshellHowdensheltHowderscheldHowderschell