Surname Huwald - Meaning and Origin

Huwald: What does the surname Huwald mean?

The last name Huwald is an occupational German surname derived from the word ‘hubald’. This Old High German-derived word referred to a soldier who guarded the local mayor or count’s court, or someone who had governmental powers. It came to be associated with courage, strength and sovereignty - qualities which tied the surname to the values of authority, dignity and social standing.

In German the meaning of Huwald can be quite varied, with some sources saying it means ‘the valiant one’ and others saying it is an evolved form of the word ‘peror’, meaning ‘rescuer’. The name is assumed to have originally been given to a person for their bravery, stalwart attitude and courage in protecting authority.

The surname is thought to have first become established in central Europe, particularly in present-day Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Records show that there are bearers of the name all over the world today. Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom all boast of a large number of Huwalds descended from early Germanic settlers, making the last name a symbol of global heritage and a reflection of the multifaceted history of immigration.

In general, the last name Huwald is reflective of a generation of valiant and devoted people with a history rooted in protection, confidence and integrity - qualities that have been passed down to bearers of the name today.

Huwald: Where does the name Huwald come from?

The last name Huwald is primarily associated with Germany. The name was first recorded in the 14th century in Westfalen, Germany and is still common there today. Records indicate that the name is also common in other parts of the country including Bavaria, Thuringia, and the Rhine regions. It is currently one of the top 100 most common surnames in Germany.

It is also possible to trace the last name Huwald outside German borders. Records show that the Huwald family immigrated to the United States in the early 1800s. As of 2018, the last name is common as an American surname in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. It is commonly found in families of German heritage, but is not limited to them.

Today, the last name Huwald is most notably associated with German heritage. It has become less common in terms of overall incidence, but still prevalent in Germany and across other parts of the world. The Huwald family today is spread out across Germany, the United States, and other parts of the world and remains a common connection among those with an ancestry from Europe.

Variations of the surname Huwald

The surname Huwald has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant of the name in its anglicized form is Howell. Other possible anglicized versions include Howel, Howill, Howells, and Huwell.

The surname is also found in some German and Dutch speaking regions due to its Low German origin. In these countries, the surname is spelled Houwald. Other versions of the name found in Dutch speaking regions include Houwalt, Hoefte, Heuweld, and Houwel.

The surname is also found in some Slavic speaking regions due to its Czech origin and is written as Chwalla, Chvol, Chvola, and Chwillah.

In Wales, the surname has been anglicized to Powers. While in Scotland, the surname is spelled Powel or Powell.

Finally, in France, the surname is found in its anglicized spelling of Howl, due to the Norman invasion of England during the 11th century.

In conclusion, Huwald is a surname with numerous different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Howell, Howel, Howill, Howells, Huwell, Houwald, Houwalt, Hoefte, Heuweld, Houwel, Chwalla, Chvol, Chvola, and Chwillah, Powers, Powel, Powell, and Howl.

Famous people with the name Huwald

• André-Daniel Huwald, German physicist
• Jana Huwald, German actress
• Martin Huwald, German journalist and writer
• Rainer Huwald, German footballer
• Mahmoud Huwald, Egyptian figure skater
• Marcel Huwald, German singer-songwriter
• Klaus Huwald, German zoologist
• Claudius Huwald, Austrian television presenter
• Alexander Huwald, German Olympic bronze medalist for skiing
• Ute Huwald, German author

Other surnames

Huwaldt