Surname Backhus - Meaning and Origin
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Backhus: What does the surname Backhus mean?
The last name Backhus is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German term "bachhus" meaning "small house near a brook". This surname is believed to have originated with those who lived near a stream or brook, as indicated by the term "bach". Populations bearing this last name are found mostly in Germany and other parts of Europe, though some families have immigrated to the United States and established settlements in the past few centuries.
Within Germany, the name is most heavily populated in North Rhine-Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, implying that these regions were some of the primary areas from which Backhus families originated. The variation Bachhausen is also present among certain populations, referring to those who lived in houses near streams or brooks. In more modern times, Backhus is found as an occupational name for someone who worked in a bakery or was involved in the baking industry, given its relation to the Middle High German word "bach" (meaning stream).
Today, the name Backhus is far from uncommon and members of this family can be found all over the world. Those who bear the name are reminded of their heritage and the roots of their family, reflecting back on a time in which those first families established settlements close to streams and brooks in Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisBackhus: Where does the name Backhus come from?
The last name Backhus is more commonly found in northern Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It is thought that the Backhus name has its roots in Old Norse and German words and is derived from the Old Norse term “bakki” meaning “hill” or “rock face” and the German word “hus” meaning “house” or “farmstead”. Therefore, it is likely the name originates from people living in rugged terrain or near steep hills in northern Europe.
Today the last name Backhus can be found in countries around the world with people of Germanic and Scandinavian descent, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also relatively common in areas like the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and across Great Britain. Here in the US, most people with the name hail from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Louisiana.
While not necessarily a common name, the Backhus surname is still a part of peoples’ family trees around the world, as modern descendants of the original Backhus families continue to share the name. It's a reminder of the family's northern European heritage and, for many, a source of pride.
Variations of the surname Backhus
Backhus is a surname of German and English origin. It is an anglicization of one of two different German surnames, "Bach" or "Bachhaus".
Variants and spellings of Backhus include Bach, Bachhaus, Bakhus, Bakhous, Bakhaus, Backes, Backs, Backus, Bakus, Bachus, Bachuse, Bakhuss, Backuss and Bakhusse.
The variants of Bach may also take the form of Bache, Bachh, Backe, Bak, Bakka and Bech. The variants of Bachhaus may take the form of Bachhau, Bachhausen, Bakhaus or Bakhausen.
The different surname variants likely arose due to different regional spelling variations, primarily in Germany, with English speakers likely anglicizing the German names upon the family's migration.
The meaning of the names "Bach" and "Bachhaus" are believed to be derived from the German words for "stream" or "brook". This could indicate that the original Backhus family may have had some connection to waterways or stream beds.
The Backhus surname is likely to be found in many different countries, with a spread throughout much of Europe, as well as parts of the United States.
Famous people with the name Backhus
- Christina Backhus: An American writer, content strategist, and comedian.
- Joe Backhus: An American orthopedic surgeon that serves as Ohio State University's Robert E. Coulter, Jr., Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Henning Backhus: A Danish professional football player.
- Crystal Backhus: An American runner and Olympic hopeful in the javelin throw.
- Ward Backhus: An American politician who served as a Republican member of the South Dakota House of Representatives.
- Gennari Backhus: An American artist, curator, illustrator, and leader in the arts-entertainment industry.
- John Backhus: A once-BEST B-Boy champion, founder of The Floor Academy of Dance, and breakdancing mentor.
- Justin Backhus: A former NHL player who played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Minnesota Wild.
- Nikki Backhus: An American actress, best known for her roles in short films “Never Again” and “Dear Isabel”.
- Rik Backhus: An American film director, best known for the documentary “Difficult Money”.