Origin & Meaning of the Howard Surname
What does the last name Howard mean?
The surname Howard carries the meaning "From the Old English meaning 'high guardian' or 'brave heart'." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 264,826 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Howard ranks as the #75 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Howard come from?
The Howard surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Howard name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Howard trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Howard |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Old English meaning 'high guardian' or 'brave heart' |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #75 |
| US Count (2010) | 264,826 |
| Per 100K People | 89.78 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Howard
According to the US Census, the Howard surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 264,826 Americans with the Howard last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 64.31% |
| Black | 29.49% |
| Hispanic | 2.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.87% |
| Two or More Races | 2.46% |
Popularity of Howard Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Howard surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Howard surname increased by 10,047 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Howard
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