Last Name Houssin

The surname Houssin is of French origin. It is derived from a geographical location or a place name. Specifically, it comes from the Old French word "husson," which means "hedgehog" or "enclosure with hedges." Over time, this name may have been given to someone who lived near such an area or perhaps someone who resembled a hedgehog in appearance. The name has since spread across various regions due to historical events like the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and the subsequent settlement of Normandy in France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Houssin

The meaning and origin of the last name Houssin

The surname Houssin is a French patronymic name, derived from a given name such as Hubert, Hugues, or Hue (Old French forms of the Germanic name Hugoin), or possibly from a diminutive form of "houille," meaning coal in French, indicating a profession related to mining. The name's earliest recorded occurrences are in Normandy and Picardy regions of France, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Throughout history, families with this surname have been associated with diverse occupations ranging from miners, craftsmen, and merchants to nobility and clergy in France. The name has also spread across borders due to historical events like the Norman Conquest of England, colonization, and migration waves. Today, the Houssin family name can be found in various parts of the world, including France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Houssin

The last name Houssin is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Morocco and Algeria, where it originates from Arabic roots. It has also been recorded in France due to historical migrations and settlements. In Morocco, the highest concentrations of the Houssin surname can be found in the cities of Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech. In Algeria, it is most common in the Kabyle region and Algiers. The name has also been traced in smaller numbers in other countries such as Belgium, Canada, and the United States, often among Moroccan or Algerian diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Houssin

The surname Houssin has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in pronunciation and regional dialects over time. Some of the common spelling variations include Housein, Hoosin, Hussain, Hussein, Houessin, Hossain, Hushin, and Husseyn. These variations can be found across different countries, with the name being particularly common in Arabic-speaking regions such as North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. The name is of Arabic origin, derived from the name "Husayn," which means "young" or "flourishing." While these variations share a similar root, their exact spelling can depend on factors such as local customs, phonetic interpretation, and historical recordkeeping.

Famous people with the last name Houssin

Amongst notable individuals bearing the surname Houssin, two stand out:

1. Mohamed Hicham Houssin (born 1984), a Tunisian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for the Tunisia national team and various European clubs such as Ajaccio, Nancy, and Bastia. He was part of the Tunisian squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004.

2. Édouard-Gilles de Rothschild (1936-2014), born Édouard Houssin de Rothschild, a French businessman and philanthropist. He was a member of the Rothschild banking family and played a significant role in restoring numerous chateaus in France. He passed away with an estimated net worth of $7.6 billion according to Forbes magazine.

Genealogical research on the last name Houssin

The surname Houssin is believed to have origins in France, specifically the region of Normandy. Historically, it is a topographic name for someone who lived by a small wooden house or hut, derived from the Old French "maisonette" or "housse", meaning "small house". Variations of this surname include Housen, Hussen, and Houzen.

One notable bearer of the name was Claude Houssin, a French artist born in 1907 who specialized in modern and abstract art. He exhibited at the Salon d'Automne from 1928 to 1934. Another significant figure with this surname is Georges Houssin, a French politician and lawyer, who served as Minister of Colonies under President Albert Lebrun between 1936-1937.

Today, the Houssin family can be found across France, particularly in Normandy and Paris. Genealogical records show that they have been living in France since at least the 14th century, with some branches migrating to other European countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Houssin"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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