The name Howard has a rich history and a unique meaning. It is an English-language given name that originated from Old French Huard or Houard from a Germanic source similar to Old High German *Hugihard “heart-brave”, or *Hoh-ward, literally “high defender; chief guardian”. The name has been used for centuries and has different variations in different cultures.
While the origins of the surname are unclear, it is believed that it holds an English background from the Anglo-Scandinavian name Haward which derives from Old Norse elements like há ‘high’ + varðr meaning ‘guardian’ and ‘warden’. The name Howard was once hugely popular, ranking in the Top 50 from the 1870s to early 1950s, hitting Number 24 in 1920. However, it has been stuck in Dad-Grandad limbo for decades, but is showing some signs of stirring back to life.
In this article, we will explore the meaning and history of the name Howard, its popularity over the years, and its variations in different cultures. We will also discuss famous people with the name Howard and how it has been used in literature and media. Whether you are a Howard or just curious about the name’s origins, this article will provide you with an in-depth look at this fascinating name.
Origin of the Howard Name
The Howard name has its origins in England, and it is thought to have been derived from various sources. The name is believed to have been a given name, a surname, or a combination of both.
One theory suggests that the name Howard originated from the Old English “haward,” which means “chief warden.” This name was later adopted by the Anglo-Norman and Old French cultures as “howart,” meaning “chief warden” or “guardian.”
Another theory suggests that the name Howard is derived from the Old German name “Hugihard,” which means “heart-brave.” The name was later adopted by the Anglo-Saxon tribes that once ruled Britain and was spelled “Haward” or “Howard.”
In Old Norse, the name “Hávarðr” means “high guardian” or “high warden.” It is believed that this name was also a source for the Howard name.
The Howard name has been associated with various regions in England, including Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Kendal. The family has held titles such as the Duke of Norfolk, and some of its members have played significant roles in English history.
One notable figure with the Howard surname was Thomas Howard, the Duke of Norfolk, who was a prominent figure during the reign of King Henry VIII. Another notable figure was Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of King Henry VIII.
The Howard family has been an influential English noble family for centuries, and the name continues to be used today.
Meaning and Significance
The name Howard has an English origin and is derived from Old French Huard or Houard, which, in turn, comes from a Germanic source similar to Old High German *Hugihard, meaning “heart-brave” or “noble watchman.” The name can also be translated as *Hoh-ward, which means “high defender” or “chief guardian.”
The name Howard has a strong and powerful meaning, indicating a person who is brave, loyal, and protective. It is a name that has been popular for many years, and it is still used today.
The name Howard has a significance that is rooted in its meaning. People with this name are often seen as leaders and protectors, and they are known for their strong sense of duty and responsibility. They are also known for their loyalty and devotion to their loved ones.
Overall, the name Howard is a name that carries with it a sense of strength, nobility, and honor. It is a name that is both timeless and classic, and it is sure to continue to be popular for many years to come.
Popularity Over the Years
Howard has been a popular name for baby boys over the years. According to BabyCenter user data, the name Howard was ranked #2362 in popularity in 2023, an increase of 111 from the previous year.
Looking back at historical data, Howard was quite popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In 1857, the name was ranked #156 in the United States. By 1890, it had climbed to #29. It continued to rise in popularity, peaking in 1920 at #24.
However, the popularity of Howard began to decline in the mid-20th century. By 2017, the name was ranked #1060 in the United States. In 2018, it fell out of the top 1000 names for baby boys.
According to data from the Social Security Administration, Howard was in the top 200 names for baby boys in the United States from 1900 to 1959. It was in the top 400 from 1960 to 1979 and in the top 600 from 1980 to 1999. Since 2000, the name has not been in the top 1000.
The popularity of the name Howard varies by region. In 2023, it was most popular in New York, according to Names.org. The name has also been popular in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Notable People Named Howard
The name Howard has been given to many notable individuals throughout history. Here are some of the most famous people named Howard:
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Howard Hughes: An American business magnate, investor, and aviator who was one of the wealthiest people in the world during his lifetime. Hughes was known for his eccentric behavior and his involvement in the aviation industry.
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William Howard Taft: The 27th President of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913. Taft was also the 10th Chief Justice of the United States, serving from 1921 to 1930.
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Howard Hawks: An American film director, producer, and screenwriter who directed a number of classic Hollywood films, including “Bringing Up Baby,” “His Girl Friday,” and “The Big Sleep.”
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Ron Howard: An American actor, director, and producer who first gained fame as a child actor on the TV series “The Andy Griffith Show” and later became a successful film director, with credits including “Apollo 13,” “A Beautiful Mind,” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
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Howard Allen: An American serial killer who was known as the “Gainesville Ripper.” Allen murdered five college students in Gainesville, Florida, in 1990.
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Howard Cosell: An American sports journalist and commentator who was known for his outspoken and controversial commentary on sports events.
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Howard Dean: An American politician who served as the 79th Governor of Vermont from 1991 to 2003. Dean also ran for President of the United States in 2004.
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Howard Goodall: An English composer and musicologist who is best known for his work on TV and film scores, including the theme music for the TV series “Blackadder.”
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Howard Judd: An American physician and researcher who was one of the first doctors to identify the connection between HIV and AIDS.
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Howard Shore: A Canadian composer and conductor who is best known for his work on film scores, including the music for “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
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Howard Stern: An American radio and television personality who is best known for his controversial and provocative talk show, “The Howard Stern Show.”
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Dwight Howard: An American professional basketball player who has played for several NBA teams, including the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Bryce Dallas Howard: An American actress and director who is known for her roles in films such as “Jurassic World” and “The Help.”
As you can see, the name Howard has been given to a diverse group of individuals who have made their mark in various fields, including business, politics, sports, and the arts.
Howard in Literature and Arts
The name Howard has been used in various forms of literature and arts. Here are some notable examples:
- Ayn Rand’s novel “The Fountainhead” features the protagonist Howard Roark, an architect who embodies the idea of individualism.
- Anne Rice’s novel “The Witching Hour” features a character named Aaron Lightner Howard, who is a musician and member of the Talamasca organization.
- Howard Zinn was a historian, playwright, and social activist who wrote the influential book “A People’s History of the United States”.
In the world of film, there have been several directors and film directors with the first name Howard, including Ron Howard, who directed “A Beautiful Mind” and “Apollo 13”, and Howard Hawks, who directed classics such as “Bringing Up Baby” and “His Girl Friday”.
In the music industry, there have been several musicians with the name Howard, including Howard Jones, a British pop singer known for hits such as “No One Is to Blame” and “What Is Love?”, and Howie Day, an American singer-songwriter known for his hit song “Collide”.
Overall, the name Howard has made its mark in various forms of arts and literature, with notable figures such as Howard Roark, Howard Zinn, and Howard Hawks leaving a lasting impact.
Howard as a Surname
The Howard surname has a Norman origin and is derived from the Middle English personal names Huward and Heward, which were themselves derived from Old French Huard. Huard, in turn, is derived from ancient Germanic elements such as hug, which means “mind,” “understanding,” or “spirit,” and hard, which means “hardy,” “bold,” or “strong.” The name’s meaning can be interpreted as “brave heart” or “strong mind.”
According to A Dictionary of Surnames, the Howard surname is most common in England, where it is a top 100 name. It is also a common surname in the United States, where it is the 27th most common surname. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Related names to Howard include Hayward, Haward, and Heyward. These names are cognates of the Old Norse name Haward, which means “high” or “chief warden.” Occasionally, the surname Howard may have been applied to someone who worked at a dairy farm where female sheep were kept.
In terms of occupations, the Howard surname may have been associated with the occupation of a “warden,” which was a person responsible for the supervision of a particular area or group of people. The name may also have been associated with the occupation of a “herdsman,” which was a person who looked after a herd of animals.
One notable person with the Howard surname is John D. Howard, an American industrialist who founded the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The institute is a non-profit medical research organization that focuses on biomedical research and has made significant contributions to the field of medical science.
Overall, the Howard surname has a rich history and has spread across the English-speaking world. Its meaning and related names offer insight into the origins of the name, while its association with certain occupations and notable individuals provide additional context to its significance.
Howard in Different Languages
The name Howard has origins in various languages and cultures, each with its unique meaning and significance. Here are some of the different meanings of the name Howard in different languages:
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French: The name Howard has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled as Huard or Houard. It is derived from a Germanic source similar to Old High German Hugihard, which means “heart-brave” or “mind-spirit.”
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Germanic: The name Howard is of Germanic origin, and it means “high defender” or “chief guardian.” The name is derived from the Old High German hoh-ward, which means “high guard” or “chief warden.”
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Hávarðr: The name Howard is believed to have been derived from the Old Norse name Hávarðr, which means “high guardian” or “chief warden.”
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Old High German Hugihard: The name Howard is also believed to have been derived from the Old High German Hugihard, which means “heart-brave” or “mind-spirit.”
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Politian: Howard is also a surname in Italy, and it is believed to have originated from the name Politian, which means “citizen of Polis.”
In conclusion, the name Howard has a rich and diverse history, with its origins in different languages and cultures. Whether you are looking for a name that is strong and powerful or one that is rooted in tradition, Howard is a name that has something to offer everyone.
Variations and Diminutives
The name Howard has several variations and diminutives, some of which are derived from different languages and cultures. Here are some of the most common ones:
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Ward: Ward is a popular diminutive of Howard. It is derived from the Old English word “weard,” which means “guardian” or “protector.” Ward is also a surname that has been used by many notable people, including Aaron Ward, an American ice hockey player, and Artemas Ward, an American general during the American Revolutionary War.
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Huard: Huard is another diminutive of Howard that is derived from the Old French name “Huard” or “Houard.” It means “heart-brave” or “high defender; chief guardian.” Huard is also a surname that has been used by many people, including Michel Huard, a French footballer, and Pierre Huard, a Canadian politician.
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Diminutive: The diminutive form of Howard is Howie. It is a popular nickname that has been used by many people, including Howie Mandel, a Canadian comedian and television personality, and Howie Long, a former American football player.
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Rugrats: In the popular animated television series “Rugrats,” one of the main characters is named Howard DeVille. He is the father of twins Phil and Lil DeVille, and he is often referred to as “Mr. D” by the other characters.
Overall, the name Howard has a rich history and many variations and diminutives that have been used by people around the world. Whether you prefer the classic form of Howard or one of its many variations, this name is sure to make a lasting impression.
Howard Name in Popular Culture
The name Howard has been used in various forms of popular culture over the years. Here are a few examples:
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Famous Bearers: There have been many famous people with the first name Howard, including Howard Hughes, the American business magnate and aviation pioneer, and Howard Cosell, the American sports journalist. Howard Wolowitz is also a character from the popular television show The Big Bang Theory.
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Noble Family: The Howard family is an English noble family that has been prominent in British history for centuries. The family has produced many notable figures, including Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of King Henry VIII, and John Howard, the 1st Duke of Norfolk.
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Howard Stern: Howard Stern is an American radio personality and television host who is known for his controversial and often provocative style. He has been a major figure in the entertainment industry for many years and has a large following of fans.
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Howard Surname: The Howard surname is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words “eowu” meaning “ewe” and “hierde” meaning “herd”. It is a common surname in English-speaking countries and has been used by many notable people throughout history.
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Rugrats: Howard DeVille is a character from the popular animated television show Rugrats. He is the father of Phil and Lil DeVille and is known for his love of cooking and his distinctive mustache.
Overall, the name Howard has had a significant impact on popular culture over the years, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents naming their children today.