Howard Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Howard come from? What does the surname Howard mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Howard and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Howard Origin: What does the last name Howard mean?
Howard is a common English surname with various origins. It is believed to have Gaelic roots with names such as Ó hOghartaigh and Ó hIomhair. Another theory suggests it may have been derived from the French personal names Huard and Houard after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name likely has Germanic origins, with meanings such as "heart-brave" or "high defender; chief guardian." Additionally, there could be a connection to the Anglo-Scandinavian personal name Haward, meaning "high battle guardian." The surname first appeared in public records in Cambridgeshire in 1221 and has since seen various spelling variations.
YourRoots data indicates that the Howard surname has been present in England since the early 12th century. As the centuries passed, the surname spread to other regions, particularly the United States, where it became increasingly common by the 17th century. Today, the Howard name can be found in multiple countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, and Scotland, reflecting its widespread distribution and diverse heritage.
Howard Last Name History: Where did the last name Howard come from?
Origin of Howard Surname: Where does the last name Howard originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the earliest recorded instance of the surname Howard appears in England, United Kingdom, around the early 12th century. This information is based on the exact spelling of "Howard" and may not include other sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Howard: What does the Howard surname history look like in the early days?
The YourRoots data shows that the "Howard" surname was primarily associated with England from the 12th to the 15th century. As the centuries progressed, the frequency of Howard family records began to grow in other regions, notably in the United States, indicating a gradual spread of the surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Howard surname today?
By the 16th century, the frequency of records with the Howard surname had significantly increased in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom by the early 17th century. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the "Howard" surname is notably prominent in the United States but can be found across many regions worldwide. It appears in various countries, including but not limited to, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, and Scotland.
Explore Howard last name heritage and Howard surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
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Famous People With Howard Surame?
Ron Howard
Ronald William Howard (Mar 1, 1954 - ) is an American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor known for his work in film and television. Starting as a child actor in The Andy Griffith Show, he transitioned to directing with hits like A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13. Howard has won multiple awards, including two Academy Awards and six Emmy Awards. He has also directed popular films like Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Da Vinci Code series, showcasing his versatility in the industry.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Bryce Dallas Howard (March 2, 1981 - ) is an American actress and director, known for her roles in major franchises like Jurassic World and Marvel's Spider-Man. The eldest child of filmmaker Ron Howard, she has also appeared in acclaimed films such as The Help and Rocketman. Howard's versatile talent has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Beyond acting, she has directed documentaries and episodes of popular series like The Mandalorian. With a strong background in both acting and filmmaking, Howard continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry.
Terrence Howard
Terrence Dashon Howard (March 11, 1969 - ) is an American actor known for his versatile performances in film and television. He received critical acclaim for his role as a pimp and drug dealer in "Hustle & Flow" (2005) and as James "Rhodey" Rhodes in the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Iron Man" (2008). Howard also starred in other notable films such as "Ray" (2004), "Crash" (2004), and "The Butler" (2013). On television, he portrayed Lucious Lyon in the hit series "Empire" from 2015 to 2020. With his dynamic range and memorable characters, Howard has solidified his place as a respected actor in the entertainment industry.
Catherine Howard
Catherine Howard (c. 1523 – 13 February 1542) was the fifth wife of King Henry VIII of England, serving as Queen from July 1540 to November 1541. Despite being a member of the English nobility, she faced a tumultuous early life marked by financial struggles and neglect. Howard's brief reign as queen ended tragically when she was stripped of her title and executed for alleged adultery. Her familial connections to prominent figures like Anne Boleyn and Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, further illustrate the complexities of her short-lived time in the royal court.
Dwight Howard
Dwight David Howard II (born Dec 8, 1985) is a former American professional basketball player known as "Superman." He was an NBA champion, eight-time All-Star, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Howard played for major teams like the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and won the NBA Finals in 2020. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. Howard's athletic abilities and dominant presence on the court made him a standout player in the NBA, leaving a lasting impact on the basketball world.
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