The surname Haws is of English origin, derived from an occupational name for a maker or seller of hawks for falconry, from Middle English hauk (hawk) + -es as a suffix indicating a trade. It was first recorded in the 13th century and appears to be most common in southern England.
Alternatively, it could also be a topographical name for someone who lived near a hollow or dip in the land, from Old English hag (hollow) + as. This meaning of the surname Haws is less common but is also found in England.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Haws
The meaning and origin of the last name Haws
The surname Haws has Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English word "haga," which means "enclosure" or "hedge." Initially, it was used as a topographical name for someone who lived near an enclosed area or a hedged field. Over time, it evolved into a habitational name for someone from any of the numerous places named Haws in England, such as Haws in Essex, Nottinghamshire, and Sussex. The name may also have originated from the Old English personal name "Hæw," meaning "brave" or "warrior," followed by the diminutive suffix "-as." This variation led to the creation of similar surnames such as Hawes, Hos, and Hows. The spelling variations over the centuries include Haws, Hayws, Haywes, Haweys, and Howes, among others.
Geographical distribution of the last name Haws
The surname Haws is predominantly distributed across several regions in the United States, particularly in states such as California, Texas, and Missouri, due to historical migration patterns and early European settlers. It is also frequently found in England, especially in counties like Yorkshire and Lancashire. In Canada, it is most common in British Columbia and Ontario. The name's presence can also be traced in Australia, with concentrations in New South Wales and Victoria. These distributions suggest a historical link to English-speaking populations, although the surname Haws has been adopted by people from various cultural backgrounds over time.
Variants and spellings of the last name Haws
The surname Haws has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some of these versions include:
1. Hawes - One common variation, which might be found more frequently in the United Kingdom than the U.S.
2. Howes - A spelling variation that is less common but still occasionally encountered.
3. Hauhs - A phonetic transcription representing how the name may sound when pronounced with a distinct accent or language.
4. Hawzz - An alternate spelling based on creative spelling styles or typographical errors.
5. Haas (or Haus) - A variation that might have originated from a misinterpretation of the surname during immigration processes, as "Haws" shares similarities with German names like "Haas."
6. Hauwes - Another phonetic transcription representing a distinct pronunciation or dialect.
Famous people with the last name Haws
Notable individuals with the surname Haws include:
1. James Haws (1923-2016), an American politician who served as a member of the California State Assembly and California State Senate from 1974 to 1986.
2. Barbara Haws (born 1950), an American geographer and climatologist, known for her research on climate change and its impact on water resources. She was awarded the National Medal of Science in 2013 by President Barack Obama.
3. Mike Haws (born 1961), an American former professional baseball player who played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for seven seasons, including with the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics.
4. Robert Haws (born 1938), a British artist known for his abstract paintings and prints. He was awarded the OBE in 2005 for services to art education.
5. Randy Haws (born 1967), an American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1990 to 1994, primarily with the Golden State Warriors.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, science, art, and sports.
Genealogical research on the last name Haws
The surname Haws originates from England and is believed to have derived from a geographical location or a topographic feature, such as a stream or brook named "haw" in Old English. The earliest recorded spelling of the name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Hauis."
Throughout history, the Haws family spread across various regions in England, with significant concentrations in Yorkshire and Norfolk. Notable members of the Haws family include John Haws, a puritan preacher who emigrated to America in 1630, and Mary Ann Haws, an Englishwoman who was one of the first women to travel around the world by sea between 1875 and 1876.
The surname Haws also spread to other parts of the world, particularly North America and Australia, due to immigration during the colonial period and later in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, there are notable Haws populations in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, with various branches and lineages within these communities.
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.
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