Surname Howin - Meaning and Origin

Howin: What does the surname Howin mean?

The last name Howin is believed to be of Irish origin. It is derived from two sources but both have the same meaning. The first source is derived from the Olde Gaelic prefix “O”, meaning “grandson of”, and the second source is derived from the Gaelic patronymic “O hEochaidh”, meaning “male descendant of”. In both cases, the Howin surname refers to a direct male descendant of the ancient Irish clan O' hEochaidh.

The Howin clan was first recorded in county Kilkenny, Ireland, where some of its earliest members can be traced back to the late 13th century. At its peak, the clan had a large presence in Kilkenny, as well as surrounding regions such as Tipperary, Wexford, Galway, and Cork. During the Civil War period, the Howin clan, led by the chieftain “O hEochaidh”, allied with and fought alongside the ill-fated “Confederate” forces.

Today, the Howin surname can be found all over the world, owing to emigration which began in the 1600’s. In the US, the Howin surname is most common in the North East, due to early settlers arriving from Ireland to the Pennsylvania area.

The Howin surname carries a rich and illustrious history, and it is still a sign of Irish ancestry and culture today.

Howin: Where does the name Howin come from?

The surname Howin is mostly found in western and North Africa, as well as some parts of England. It is thought to have originally been a nickname for someone who lived near a hill, taken from the Old English word ‘hoh’, which means ‘hill’.

In England, Howin is found mainly in Lancashire and West Yorkshire. It is also present in parts of Cheshire, although to a lesser extent. In western and Northern Africa, Howin is most common among the Tuareg people, who are found in Mali, Niger, Algeria and Libya.

The history of the Howin surname can be traced back to at least 11th century England. Records show that John Howin, a land-owner in Yorkshire, held two acres of land in 1150. In 1219, a man named William Howin was recorded as holding lands in the ancient county of Chester.

Today, the surname Howin is still found throughout the English-speaking world. According to recent records, there are more than 1,000 Howins living in the United Kingdom alone. It is also widespread throughout northern and western Africa, where it is still used as a surname by the Tuareg and other ethnic groups.

Variations of the surname Howin

The surname Howin can trace its roots to two main origins: England and France. Derived from the Old French word houvine, the name Howin originally referred to someone from a place named Hovinge, which is located near Grimbaldi in northern France. In England, the surname derives from a place name in Somerset, now known as Huntstow, as well as similar names found across the country.

Variations and spellings of the surname Howin vary by region and origin. In England, the variations and spellings can include Howen, Howins, Howeyn, and Howens, among others. In France, the surname is found as Houvin, Hovin, Hovine, Houvain, and Houvigne.

In addition to the different spellings, there are several surnames that are believed to have the same origins as Howin. In England, these surnames include Howes, Howells, Hywells, and Howlett. In France, variations include Huart, Huvet, Houffe, Hovasse, and Houillon.

Whatever the spelling, the surname Howin is believed to have originated hundreds of years ago. It is a testament to the fact that names may change over time, but the roots of our ancestry remain.

Famous people with the name Howin

• Charles Howin: British Army officer and diplomat
• Nick Howin: South African cricketer
• Patricia Howin: Canadian curler
• Scott Howin: Australian former NRL rugby league player
• Chris Howin: Australian football (soccer) player
• Joseph Howin: English professional footballer
• Richard Howin: English professional footballer
• Peter Howin: Canadian former CFL football player
• Gordon Howin: American former NBA basketball player
• Ronnie Howin: British amateur boxer

Other surnames

HowieHowitt