Surname Howse - Meaning and Origin

Howse: What does the surname Howse mean?

The surname Howse is of English origin, derived from the Old English word 'hus' which means 'house'. It was commonly given as a topographic name for someone who lived in a house, as distinct from a smaller hut or a larger manor, monastery, or castle. It was probably used in particular to denote someone who owned the house they lived in, versus those who were merely tenants. Additionally, the surname Howse may have been an occupational name for a servant or worker at a royal or noble house meaning a member of a household. Despite its simple outlook, it often denoted a status and rank within the society in ancient Europe. Surnames were used to recognize individuals for their personal characteristics, location, profession, parentage etc., as a means of personal identification. This particular surname was first found in various counties across England and Wales. Over time and due to emigration, variations of the surname can be found in many countries worldwide. Therefore, the last name 'Howse' embeds history and familial legacy.

Howse: Where does the name Howse come from?

The surname Howse is of English origin. More specifically, it is believed to derive from the Old English word "hus," which means "house." It was probably used initially as an occupational nickname for a person who worked in a house, such as a steward or servant, or for someone who lived in a house, as opposed to a hut. During the middle ages, the surname evolved into various forms such as House, Howse, Howes, Hoose, and others.

The surname Howse initially originated in the southern counties of England in the region best known as the Weald. With the passage of time and the migration of people for reasons such as employment and trade, the surname Howse dispersed throughout England, and later all around the world due to British colonial expansion.

Today, the surname Howse remains most common in England and other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In the United States, it is most prevalent in Texas. However, as people continue to migrate and populations continue to mix, it can be found in many different countries around the globe.

Variations of the surname Howse

The surname Howse is of English origin and it is considered to be a topographic surname for someone who lived either in or by a house, primarily a house which was larger or more significant than others in that community. However, the spelling of this surname has many variations, especially due to regional accents and phonetics over the centuries. Some of these variants include House, Houser, Houses, Howes, and Howse.

A notable surname variant is Haus from German roots, or Huis from Dutch origins, implying a similar meaning to its English counterpart. Additionally, in some instances the names Howson and Houson can be derived from Howse, indicating "son of Howe/Howse". Other possible variations include Houss, Housse, and Howze depending on how the name was recorded historically.

In conclusion, a wide array of surnames might have the same historic origin as the surname Howse, although carry different contemporary spellings, cultural contextual, and phonetic diversity.

Famous people with the name Howse

• Dame Helen Howse: A British actor most recognised for her performance as Molly Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise.
• Mark Howse: A British actor, best known for his performance in the TV show Bad Girls.
• Duffy Howse: An American professional basketball player who won the NCAA championship with the UCLA Bruins in 1995.
• Rhys Howse: An Australian actor who has had a bevy of roles in blockbusters like Thor: Ragnarok and the Ocean’s Eleven franchise.
• Zoë Howse: An English actress and comedic performer most known for her roles in Coronation Street, The Fast Show and The Office.
• Sabina Howse: An Australian model and actress who has appeared in campaigns for brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, and Procter & Gamble.
• Eliza Howse: An English artist and sculptor, best known for her public art sculptures found around London.
• Mackenzie Howse: An American professional ice hockey player, currently playing for the San Jose Sharks.
• Jimmy Howse: A former professional rugby league player from Australia; he played for the North Sydney Bears from 1975 to 1984.
• Robert Howse: An American Professor of International Law at the New York University, and a prominent legal scholar.

Other surnames

HowsHowsleyHowston