Surname Howet - Meaning and Origin
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Howet: What does the surname Howet mean?
The last name Howet is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word “huet” (“hue,” meaning “prince”). This surname was found in many regions of France, especially in northern Normandy and Picardy which borders Belgium. It was once used as an honorary title often associated with landed nobility and gentry.
The Howet surname came to England and Ireland after the Norman Conquest of 1066 AD as well. Records of the surname first appear in the 11th and 12th centuries in documents such as the Records of Normandy and Rotuli Curiae Regis. It was very likely brought to England by Norman immigrants.
The Howet surname continues to be found throughout England and Ireland to this day. It is most common in Northern Ireland, where it is more numerous than in other parts of the United Kingdom, often associated with Protestant families. Howet is also found in English counties such as Oxfordshire and Kent. The presence of the surname remains in France, especially around the Picardy region, as well, where it is sometimes spelled as “Huet” or “Hue.”
Overall, the name Howet is a proud one, associated with old French nobility and gentry. It is still seen in England and Ireland, and remains connected to its French roots in Northen Normandy and Picardy where it originated centuries ago.
Order DNA origin analysisHowet: Where does the name Howet come from?
The Howet surname is most commonly found in France, particularly in the southeastern region. It is also found in other parts of Europe, including in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Additionally, the Howet surname appears in parts of the United States.
In France, the Howet surname is particularly prevalent in the Alsace region, which is on the border of France and Germany. It is also found in the Lorraine region, which is in eastern France. The Howet surname is relatively rare elsewhere in France, although there are some isolated occurrences in various parts of the country.
In Germany, the Howet surname is often found in the central and western parts of the country, as well as in the Bavaria region and the Rhineland Palatinate region. It is more uncommon in the eastern regions. Similarly, the Howet surname can be found in various parts of Spain, although it is more concentrated in the northern regions. In Italy, the Howet surname is most common in the northern regions, particularly in the Lombardy and Veneto regions.
In the United States, the Howet surname is most common in the Northeastern and Midwestern regions. In the Northeast, it is particularly prevalent in some areas of Massachusetts and New York. In the Midwest, it can be found in areas of Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. The Howet surname is also found in some parts of the Southeast, although it is much rarer in this region.
Variations of the surname Howet
The surname Howet has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variations are: Howitt, Howat, Howitts, Howatt and Howetts.
The Howat variation of the surname is derived from the Old Scottish and English place name Houton which means a settlement that is associated with a corner or “haugh” of land. Another variant, Howitt, also has its origin in the Old English place name Howete.
In Scotland, Howitt and Howatt, are primarily found in the county of Fife. It has been suggested that the Howitts originally lived in the High Holdstead area of Fife as there are numerous records of the surname in the area.
In England, Howites is an old spelling which can now be found in the form of Howet or Howett.
The Howetts variant is found in the form of Howett or Howettes. The surname is particularly common in the Midlands region of England and it is thought to have originated in Northampton in the county of Northamptonshire.
Howett is also a surname that can be found in Sweden.
The common variations of the Howet surname combine to form a diverse group of surnames that appear to have a range of origins. Whether it is the Scottish or English version, the origin of the name, Howet, remains the same.
Famous people with the name Howet
- David Howell: a British professional golfer and Member of Parliament.
- Robert Howet: a 16th-century scholar and poet at St John's College, Oxford.
- John Howet: a 16th-century theologian at St John's College, Oxford.
- Charles Howet: a 19th-century British Member of Parliament.
- Thomas Howet: another 16th-century scholar at St John's College, Oxford.
- John Howet: a 16th-century poet and librarian at St John's College, Oxford.
- Robert Howet: a 17th-century Member of Parliament.
- Jane Howet: a 16th-century English nun.
- Lewis Howet: a 19th-century Church of England clergyman.
- Sir Henry Howet: a 17th-century member of the English nobility.