Last Name Hower

The surname Hower is of Old English origin. It is derived from a geographical name meaning "high river" or "stream." This name was originally a topographic name for someone who lived by a high stream or river. Over time, it has been found in various spellings including Howar, Howerton, Houser, and Hower.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hower

The meaning and origin of the last name Hower

The surname Hower originates from the British Isles, specifically England and Scotland. It is believed to have derived from various places with the same name, such as Howar in Northumberland, England or Howare in Cornwall, England. These place names are thought to be Old Norse in origin, with "haugr" meaning mound or hill. Over time, residents of these areas adopted the names of their homes as surnames. The spelling variations of Hower over the centuries include Howar, Howere, and Houwer, reflecting the evolution of English orthography over time. Today, individuals bearing the surname Hower can be found predominantly in England, Scotland, and its diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hower

The surname Hower is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania, due to early European settlers from Germany, Switzerland, and England. The German variant of the name is "Huber," while the English variant is "Howard." In Ohio, the name is most concentrated around Cuyahoga County, where it was likely introduced by German-speaking immigrants in the 19th century. In Pennsylvania, the highest concentration of the surname can be found in York and Lancaster counties, reflecting a similar historical migration pattern. The Hower name also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of the United States, as well as in Canada and Australia, indicating dispersal from the original settlements over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hower

The surname Hower has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in pronunciation and regional transcription over time. Some common variations include Howar, Houser, Houwer, and Hauser. These alterations may be due to factors such as scribal errors, immigration records, or regional dialects. Another variant is Howe, which has a different origin but shares a similar pronunciation, being an Anglo-Saxon name meaning "high mound" or "hill." However, it's important to note that these variations may lead to confusion in genealogical research, as they can be mistaken for unrelated names. To accurately trace family history, researchers should consider exploring all possible spelling variations when conducting genealogical investigations.

Famous people with the last name Hower

The Hower family has produced notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is Bob Hower, an American professional baseball player who spent nine seasons in Major League Baseball as both a pitcher and outfielder for several teams such as the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Cincinnati Reds, among others. In the world of politics, John Brady Hower was a United States Senator from Oklahoma from 1945 to 1967. Additionally, William Howerd, an English comedian, writer, and actor, gained prominence in the mid-20th century, known for his dry humor and long-running radio show "Take It From Here."

Genealogical research on the last name Hower

The surname Hower originates from Germany and has several variants including Houwer, Howar, and Hoefer. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived by a wooden fence or enclosure, from the Middle High German "houwer" meaning 'hedge' or 'fence'. The name is most common in the Rhineland region of Germany.

In the United States, the Hower family was first recorded in the early 1800s in Pennsylvania, likely arriving as part of the larger German immigration wave in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the country, particularly Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, due to migration patterns following the American Revolution and westward expansion.

Notable individuals with the surname Hower include William H. Hover, who served as a U.S. Representative from Indiana in the 1920s, and John J. Hower Jr., an Ohio state senator during the mid-20th century. The Hower family tree is extensive, with numerous branches across the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hower"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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