How Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

How Name Meaning: A variant spelling of 'Howe'.Topographic for someone who lived by a small hill.Also a variant of 'Hugh',meaning "Son of Hugh". Hugh is a German name often meaning heart/mind after St Hugh.

The surname dates back to the 12th century,with the first recorded spelling 'William De Ho',dated 1121.

Discover how your How ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

How Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the How family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 293
Agricultural Labourer 115
Straw Plaiter 36
Labourer 33
House Servant 30
Dress Maker 18
Carter 14
General Servant 14
Servant 14
Laundress 13
Carpenter 12
Butcher 11
Farmer 9
House Keeper 9
Agricultural Laborers 9
Shoe Maker 8
Farmers Wife 8
Bonnet Sewer 7
Daughter 7
Farmer's Son 7
Gardener 7
Nurse 7
Blacksmith 7
Tailor 7
Housemaid 6

How Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Howe 75% 78,383
2 How 100% 16,212
3 Haw 67% 8,061
4 Howie 60% 1,956
5 Hawe 50% 1,552
6 Hew 67% 538
7 Hewe 50% 122

Did you know?

The surname How is the 2nd most popular variant of Howe.

Search for the How family