NomOrigine Background

Last Name Hovnanian

What is the origin of the last name Hovnanian?

The surname Hovnanian is of Armenian origin. It derives from a variety of Armenian given names that have been used as patronymics, such as Hovhannes (John) and Hovsep (Joseph). In Armenia, the tradition of using patronymic surnames, in which the name of the father's father is added to the father's given name, is common. In this case, Hovnanian is likely a variant of a surname derived from Hovhannes or another similar Armenian given name.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Hovnanian

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hovnanian

The meaning and origin of the last name Hovnanian

The surname Hovnanian is an Armenian name derived from the Armenian language. The name originates from the word "Hovan," which means "priest" or "monk" in Armenian. This name has been traditionally borne by members of the clergy or by individuals who have a religious association, reflecting the significant role of the church in Armenian society and culture. Over time, the surname has spread beyond the borders of Armenia due to various historical events such as migration, displacement, and assimilation, becoming increasingly common among Armenians living around the world today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hovnanian

The last name Hovnanian is predominantly of Armenian origin and is distributed primarily within Armenia, the diaspora communities in various parts of the world, and particularly in regions with significant Armenian populations. In the United States, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the surname Hovnanian can be found in states like California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, where there are substantial Armenian-American communities. Additionally, the name is also present in Canada, Australia, and other countries with Armenian immigrants. Globally, the last name Hovnanian reflects the historical migration of Armenians from their ancestral homeland over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hovnanian

The surname Hovnanian has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variations include:

* Hovanian
* Houvannian
* Howe-vanian (a British English spelling)
* Hovnanyan
* Hovhannisyan
* Khovenian

These variants are often found among individuals of Armenian descent, as the name is derived from the Armenian language. The original Armenian form of the name is Հովհաննեսյան (Hovhannesyan), meaning "John the Baptist".

It is important to note that surnames can be spelled and pronounced differently depending on factors such as regional dialects, personal preference, or errors in transcription. Therefore, it is always possible to encounter additional variations of a particular name.

Famous people with the last name Hovnanian

Notable individuals with the surname Hovnanian include Kevork S. Hovnanian and Simon Hovnanian. Kevork S. Hovnanian (1924-2008) was an Armenian American businessman who founded K. Hovnanian Homes, one of the largest homebuilding companies in the United States. He immigrated to the U.S. from Turkey at the age of 16 and worked various jobs before starting his own construction company. Simon Hovnanian (born 1957) is a classical pianist and composer of Armenian descent. He has performed worldwide and released several albums, receiving critical acclaim for his interpretations of classical music. Both Kevork and Simon Hovnanian have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on American business and the arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Hovnanian

The Hovnanian surname is of Armenian origin and is predominantly found among Armenian-American families. It derives from the personal name Hovan, which means "God has favored" or "God has been gracious."

The Hovnanian family can be traced back to medieval Armenia. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is in the 15th century, with a notable member being Gregor Hovhannisyan, a prominent Armenian historian and scholar during the reign of King Levon I (1472-1490).

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Armenians emigrated from the Ottoman Empire to escape persecution and seek better opportunities. Among these were families with the surname Hovnanian. The largest group of Hovnanian immigrants settled in the United States, particularly in California and Massachusetts.

Today, the Hovnanian surname is widespread among Armenian-Americans and has branches in various parts of the world due to continuous migration and diaspora from historical Armenia. Notable individuals with this surname include Kevork S. Hovnanian, an American real estate developer and philanthropist, and Maral Hovnanian, a renowned Armenian-American painter.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Hova (Last name)

surnames > hova

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Hovagimian (Last name)

surnames > hovagimian

The surname Hovagimian is of Armenian origin. In Armenian, "Hovagimian" (Հովագիմյան) means "son of Hovagim" or "descendant of Hovagim." It is derived from the male given ...

Hoveizavi (Last name)

surnames > hoveizavi

The last name Hoveizavi is of Iranian origin.

Hovey (Last name)

surnames > hovey

The last name Hovey is of English origin. It is believed to be a habitational surname derived from the name of a place. Specifically, it is derived from the Old English word "hof" ...

Hovhannesian (Last name)

surnames > hovhannesian

The last name "Hovhannesian" is of Armenian origin. It is derived from the Armenian first name "Hovhannes," which means "John" in English. The suffix "-ian" is a common Armenian su...

Hovhannessian (Last name)

surnames > hovhannessian

The surname Hovhannessian is of Armenian origin. It derives from the Armenian given name "Hovhannes," which translates to "gracious" or "merciful" in English. This name is a common...

Hovland (Last name)

surnames > hovland

The surname Hovland is of Norwegian origin. It derives from the Old Norse word "haugr," which means a mound or burial ground, and "land" meaning land. Therefore, the name Hovland o...

Hovorka (Last name)

surnames > hovorka

The surname Hovorka originates from Czech Republic. It is derived from a number of place names in Bohemia, such as Hovorce, Hovorka, and Hovorka nad Bečvou. These places are named...

Hovorukha (Last name)

surnames > hovorukha

The last name "Hovorukha" is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the Ukrainian word "говорити" (hovoryty), meaning "to speak" or "to talk." This surname likely originat...