Last Name Backus

The surname "Backus" is of Dutch origin. It is derived from the personal name "Bake" or "Backe," which comes from the Old Norse name "Bakki" meaning "bank" or "hillside." The suffix "-us" indicates that it is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Bake" or "son of Backe." The name likely originated in the Netherlands and spread to other countries through migration and exploration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Backus

The meaning and origin of the last name Backus

The surname Backus is of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Bac(c)us," meaning "a member of the Bacchi," which indicated someone who was a worshipper of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry. Alternatively, the name may also have originated from a topographical name for someone who lived by a stream or river, derived from the Old English word "bach" or "bece," meaning "stream" or "brook."

Variations of the surname Backus include Bacchus, Backhouse, Bac(k)us, Backis, Bac(c)us, and Backhus. The name has seen several spelling changes over the centuries, as was common for many surnames. Variations in spelling often occurred due to differences in regional accents and dialects as well as the relatively flexible nature of medieval spelling. Today, the surname Backus can be found in various parts of the English-speaking world, although it is most prevalent in the United States and Canada, having been introduced by early English, Scottish, and Scottish-Irish immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Backus

The last name Backus has a relatively diverse geographical distribution, but is most commonly found in the United States. The majority of individuals with this surname reside in the northeastern part of the country, particularly in the states of New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Other regions with a notable number of Backus individuals include Ohio, Michigan, and California. Additionally, the name has a significant presence in the Canadian province of Ontario. Outside of North America, the Backus name is less prevalent, but there are small pockets of individuals in countries such as England, Australia, and Germany. While the distribution may vary, the last name Backus is primarily associated with English and Dutch origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Backus

The last name Backus can have several variations and spellings. One of the most common variations is "Bacus", which drops the "k" in the middle of the name. Another variation is "Bacchus", which replaces the "k" with a "ch" sound. Some other variations include "Backas" and "Baccus". In terms of different spellings, the last name can be spelled as "Bakkus", "Bacques", or even "Bakkas". It is important to note that these variations and spellings may have originated from different regions or time periods, leading to slight differences in how the name is written. Nonetheless, regardless of the variation or spelling, they all ultimately derive from the same origin, which is believed to be a surname of Norse/Viking origin.

Famous people with the last name Backus

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, widely known as J.R.R. Tolkien, is one of the most famous fantasy authors in history. Tolkien created the magical land of Middle-earth and wrote masterpieces like "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. His contribution to the fantasy genre and his intricate world-building have captivated readers for generations. Another remarkable figure with the last name Backus is Jim Backus, a renowned American actor and voice artist. Backus is best remembered for his memorable roles, such as Thurston Howell III on the hit TV show "Gilligan's Island" and the voice of Mr. Magoo in numerous animated films and television shows. With his distinctive voice and comedic talent, Jim Backus has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Both Tolkien and Backus have achieved fame and success in their respective fields, earning them a place amongst the most notable individuals sharing the last name Backus.

Genealogical research on the last name Backus

The surname Backus can be traced back to medieval England. The name is of occupational origin and derived from the Old English word "bæc," meaning "back" or "ridge," and "hus," meaning "house" or "dwelling." It originally referred to someone who lived by or worked on a hill or ridge. Over time, variations of the name emerged, such as Bacchus, Backhouse, Bakus, and Backhous.

The earliest recorded instance of the Backus surname dates back to the 13th century in Norfolk, England. As the centuries passed, individuals with the surname migrated to other parts of England and other countries, including the United States. Notable among them was Captain William Backus, who arrived in America in the mid-17th century.

Today, the Backus surname is found primarily in the United States, with significant populations in Connecticut, New York, and Ohio, among other states. Genealogical research into the Backus family can uncover a rich tapestry of individuals who have contributed to various fields and industries throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Backus"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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