Surname House - Meaning and Origin
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After participating in a DNA-test by iGENEA, I discovered surprising insights about my House family roots. These new findings have substantially changed my understanding of my identity and family history.
R. House
read moreHouse: What does the surname House mean?
The surname House is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English term "hus", meaning a house or a dwelling. This name was traditionally given to those who either lived in a house that was larger or more significant than other houses in a town or village, suggesting a household of importance, possibly the "manor" house, or were employed in the running of a large household. The term “house” was used broadly in the medieval times to refer to a dwelling, building or religious house, so the surname could refer to someone who worked at or lived in any of these. It is also possible that the name may have been used to refer to someone who was hospitable or who provided lodging or shelter. Like many surnames, over centuries and generations, it spread across regions and its exact meaning may have evolved or shifted.
Order DNA origin analysisHouse: Where does the name House come from?
The surname House is of Anglo-Saxon origin, predominantly traced back to England. It is a topographic name for someone who lived in a house, as distinct from a smaller hut, deriving from the Old English term "hus," meaning "house". The surname may have also been a status name, referring to a person who owned a house, which was a sign of wealth during the Anglo-Saxon era.
In some instances, this last name could have originated as a nickname for someone who conducted their work or trade in a house, as opposed to in a makeshift hut or outdoors. There are also certain places in England, like Devon, where the location's name was used as a surname in the past.
Today, the surname House is commonly found in the United States, England, and Canada. According to the most recent census, states like Texas, California, Michigan, and Georgia have a higher concentration of individuals with the House surname in the United States. The name continues to be popular in England, retaining its roots. In Canada, the House surname is more prevalent in Newfoundland.
Variations of the surname House
The surname "House" is of Old English origin. It can be traced back to pre 7th century England, and it may refer to someone who lived in a large and significant dwelling or other facility like an inn or tavern. This origin suggests it could also be an occupational name for someone who worked in such a place.
Variants and spellings of the House surname include Howse, Hoose, Hous, Huse, Houss, Houz, Hause, and Hauss. These variants mainly exist due to different regional dialects and spelling practices in different centuries.
Other surnames that may have the same or similar origin, relating to a place of residence or occupation, include Mansion, Hall, Palace, Villa, Lodge, Castle, and various others that denote dwelling places.
In the case of House, bear in mind that it also sits closely with Germanic names like Haus, Hauser, and Häusler. This is because English and German are both derived from the same ancient root language, and terms for basic things such as houses often show similarities. However, each would have developed independently in the two language streams.
Famous people with the name House
- Hugh Laurie: Actor most famous for his role as the titular character in the popular television series House M.D.
- Jesse House: Actor and comedian, known for his roles in AJ and the Queen and Workaholics.
- Tami J. House: Model, actress, and host, known for her work on the television series Hollywood Hillbillies.
- Eugenia House: Singer and songwriter, known for her work with the band Nic Harper.
- CNL House: Producer and engineer, known for his work with hip hop artist Ace Hood.
- Steve House: Professional mountaineer and climbing instructor, founder of the Alpine Mentors mountaineering school.
- Joe House: Comedian, podcaster, and co-host of the Basement Yard podcast.
- J.L. House: Rapper and hip hop artist, known for his album The Thick of Things.
- Dewey House: American civil rights activist, known for his work with the Congress of Racial Equality.
- Hawk House: British hip hop group, known for their singles “Savannah” and “Fight Music.”