Origins of the Howard surname
What does the name Howard mean?
The Howard surname is believed to have two separate origins, both in England. The first is occupational, coming from the Old English position of 'Hayward' (High Chief) and would be given to these people and their descendants. The second supposed source of the surname is patronymic, a name given to those who are the son or descendant of someone with the forename 'Hereward' or 'Howard'.
Alternative variations of the name Howard
Howard, Howerd, Haward, Howart, Heward
Start your family history journey
Start free trial
Start your family tree
Trace your family back in time. Make new discoveries and see what other Findmypast family historians in our genealogy community have discovered about the Howards.
Sign up to get startedDelve deeper into the Howard family's history
Common jobs for Howards
Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.
Common female occupations for Howards in 1921
Dressmaker
1,381
Cotton Weaver
881
Laundress
861
Domestic Servant
696
General Servant Domestic
693
Common male occupations for Howards in 1921
Agricultural Labourer
1,454
General Labourer
1,246
Farm Labourer
858
Farmer
815
Carpenter
769
Learn more about the lives of Howard family members
Share your discoveries
Look for a different surname
Find out more about your family in our records