Howe Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Howe come from? What does the surname Howe mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Howe and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Howe Origin: What does the last name Howe mean?
Howe is an English surname with roots in the Old Norse and Old English languages. Derived from the Old Norse word for hill or mound, or the Old English term for hollow or dell, Howe historically was most common in the Northeast of England and the Orkney and Shetland islands. The surname has been associated with various notable individuals throughout history, including American Union Army general Albion P. Howe and American inventor Elias Howe.
YourRoots data indicates that the Howe surname has been present in the United Kingdom since the early 13th century. As records show, the surname gained prominence in the United States from the 16th century onwards, surpassing its frequency in the UK. Today, the Howe surname can be found in multiple countries worldwide, with a notable presence in the United States and the United Kingdom, among others, reflecting its enduring legacy and global distribution.
Howe Last Name History: Where did the last name Howe come from?
Origin of Howe Surname: Where does the last name Howe originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Howe first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 13th century. Please note that this only reflects the exact "Howe" spelling in the YourRoots database and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Howe: What does the Howe surname history look like in the early days?
The "Howe" surname is strongly associated with the United Kingdom from the 13th to the 15th century. From the 16th century onwards, the Howe family records began to grow in the United States, overtaking the United Kingdom in frequency. Please note that this data from YourRoots includes only the exact spelling "Howe" and may not represent the complete global distribution of the surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Howe surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records for the Howe surname increased significantly in the United States, a trend that continued until the 19th century. Today, the "Howe" surname can be found in several countries worldwide. Based on YourRoots data, the Howe surname appears frequently in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, among others. However, it is important to note that the data from YourRoots may not represent the complete global distribution of the surname.
Explore Howe last name heritage and Howe surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Howe Surame?
Gordie Howe
Gordon Howe (March 31, 1928 – June 10, 2016) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player known as "Mr. Hockey." He played 26 seasons in the NHL, primarily with the Detroit Red Wings, and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Howe held numerous NHL records, including most career goals, assists, and points until they were broken by Wayne Gretzky. He won four Stanley Cup championships, six Hart Trophies, and set the record for points in a season. Howe's career spanned five decades, and he was known for his scoring ability, physical strength, and longevity on the ice.
Eddie Howe
Edward John Frank Howe (born Nov 29, 1977) is an English football manager and former player known for his successful tenure at AFC Bournemouth, leading the team to multiple promotions and establishing them in the Premier League. Howe also managed Newcastle United, delivering their first major domestic trophy in 70 years with an EFL Cup win in 2025. His coaching prowess and dedication to his clubs have made him a respected figure in English football.
Steve Howe
Stephen James Howe (Apr 8, 1947 - ) is an English musician known for his role as the guitarist and backing vocalist in the progressive rock band Yes. Howe's blend of acoustic and electric guitar helped shape the band's sound, leading to commercial success. He is the longest-serving member of Yes and has also been part of rock bands like Asia and GTR. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, Howe continues to perform with Yes, his jazz group, and as a solo artist. His prolific career includes 20 solo albums and collaborations with artists like Queen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
Art Howe
Arthur Henry Howe Jr. (born Dec 15, 1946) is a former professional baseball player and manager, known for his time with the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, and New York Mets. Howe played infield and managed teams like the Astros and Mets, earning over 1,100 wins in his career. He was also portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the film "Moneyball," which depicted his managerial style and relationship with general manager Billy Beane. Despite some controversies, Howe's impact on baseball is undeniable, making him a notable figure in MLB history.
Linda Moulton Howe
Linda Ann Moulton Howe (January 20, 1942 - ) is an American investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker known for her work as a ufologist and advocate of conspiracy theories. She gained fame for her investigations into cattle mutilations, speculating they are performed by extraterrestrials, and her beliefs that the U.S. government collaborates with aliens. Howe's career began in environmental journalism before shifting to focus on UFO conspiracy theories. She produced award-winning documentaries and has been a prominent figure in ufology, appearing on various TV programs and events discussing extraterrestrial phenomena. Howe continues to host a weekly broadcast on YouTube, maintaining her presence in the field.
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