Surname Howle - Meaning and Origin
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Howle: What does the surname Howle mean?
The surname Howle is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the Middle English term "hule," which translates to "owl". This may have originally been used as a nickname for someone thought to resemble an owl in their physical characteristics or perhaps their mannerisms or behavior. Over time, it evolved into a surname. However, another theory suggests that Howle could be a locational surname, originating from a place name, possibly from "howell" meaning "hill" or "mound". Surnames based on nicknames or physical attributes, trade/profession, or geographical locations were common in medieval England. As with many surnames, interpretations can vary and the exact origin may be uncertain due to changes in spelling and language over centuries. Overall, the surname Howle carries impressions of wisdom, vigilance, or a deep connection to nature, reflecting the symbolic associations of the owl in various cultures.
Order DNA origin analysisHowle: Where does the name Howle come from?
The surname Howle is of Anglo-Saxon origin, drawn from the ancient lands of England. It is believed to be topographic or locational; deriving from the Old English "holh" which means "hole" or "hollow". It was likely used as a surname for those who dwelled near such geographical features. Some variations of the surname include Hole, Holes, Holles, and Hollis.
The family was first established in Monmouthshire, a county in Wales bordering England. The surname has since spread throughout the United Kingdom, maintaining its presence primarily in England.
However, due to historical events such as immigration, colonization, and the spread of the British Empire, the surname has traveled across the globe. Today, it's seen not only in the British Isles but also in countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In particular, the surname Howle is most common in the United States, according to recent data. Still, compared to other surnames, Howle is relatively rare worldwide.
Variations of the surname Howle
The surname Howle is of English origin and believed to be derived from a geographical location such as a hill (from the Old English "hoh”). There are different variants and spellings for this surname; often arising due to regional dialects, changes in spelling rules over time, and emigration. Here are several of these variants:
- Howel: This variant is prevalent in Wales and is often seen as a first name as well.
- Howels, Howells: Both are plural versions of Howel and mostly found in England and Wales.
- Howley: An Irish surname, which might have similar pronunciation but distinct geographic and etymological origin compared to Howle.
- Holl, Hoole, Hool, Houle: These are other spelling variants mainly observed in English-speaking countries.
Other less prevalent variants can include Howlell, Howl, and Houll. It's also worth noting that in the past, spelling was not standardized, so the surname might be recorded differently in historical documents. Furthermore, upon emigration to non-English speaking countries, the surname’s spelling might have been changed to more phonetically match the language of the new country. For instance, Howle might be spelled as "Houle" in French-speaking communities.
Famous people with the name Howle
- Darren Howle: English singer, songwriter and actor from the UK.
- Jacqueline Howle: American actress, best known for her role in the series Saved by the Bell: The College Years.
- Alana Howle: stand-up comedian and impressionist, best known for her stints on shows such as Impractical Jokers.
- Michael Howle: British television actor, mainly featured in period productions such as Birds of a Feather and Testament of Youth.
- Yvonne Howle: British actress and voice-over artist, best known for voicing the character Tracy Beaker in the CBBC series The Story of Tracy Beaker.
- Ryan Howle: Canadian actor, best known for her roles in Piranha 3D and Tucker and Dale vs Evil.
- Shane Howle: indigenous Canadian actor, best known for his role in the 2016 movie The Suicide Squad.
- Shane Howle: Australian actor, predominantly featured in television series such as All Saints and gifted.
- Sharon Howle: American singer-songwriter, best known for her hit single "My Only Prayer".
- Dean Howle: English footballer, currently playing for the English Premier League club Crystal Palace.