Surname Hawse - Meaning and Origin

Hawse: What does the surname Hawse mean?

The surname Hawse is of English origin. The name is often associated with individuals who lived or worked in or around a "house". It might also refer to a "householder" or someone who owns a distinguished house or manor. The name may have also been an occupational one referring to a servant or worker in a house. In older English terminologies, “haws” meant "neck, throat, gullet," and it is highly plausible that the surname could also be a nickname for someone with a peculiar or noticeable throat or voice. Like many surnames, variations of spelling include Hawes, Howse, Howes, and others. As with all surnames, the meaning can be more accurately determined by tracing the genealogical lineage of the name, as changes in spelling and meaning can occur over centuries and across different cultures and regions.

Hawse: Where does the name Hawse come from?

The surname Hawse is of English origin, thought to be derived from the Old Norse word "hals" which means "neck" or "narrow passage". The surname may be a topographic designation for someone who dwelled by a neck of land, a narrow forest, or a ravine. Alternatively, it could be an occupational name for someone who worked at such a location. Less frequently, it might be of Dutch or German origin, and refer to a maker or user of hackles, a tool used for separating flax fibers.

As for its distribution in the contemporary world, there are several countries where the surname Hawse can be found, including the United States, Canada, and England, with the highest concentration in the United States, particularly in Virginia and Ohio. However, it is not a common name, ranking as the 135,773rd most popular last name in the world. Overall, despite its ancient origins, the surname Hawse is rare today.

Variations of the surname Hawse

The surname Hawse is of Anglo-Saxon origin and can be found in numerous variations due to regional modifications, phonetic spellings, and changes over time. These variations can include Hawes, Hawse, Haws, Haase, Haas, and Hawks.

Some versions stem from a diminutive or pet form of the medieval personal name "Hawise" or "Hadewise". It can also be a derivative of "haw", an Old English word referring to a "hedge" or "enclosure" as well as a reference to a bird of prey, a "hawk".

The surname Hawes is popular in Norfolk and London in England according to the 1891 census of England and Wales. You will also find the surname Hawse in the United States with high concentrations in the state of Virginia demonstrating its spread during periods of migration.

Sometimes a name can be altered to suit the culture or language of a new country, so it’s possible that other less obvious versions of Hawse exist in different parts of the world.

Therefore, understanding variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin to the surname Hawse can help in the research and understanding of genealogy and family history.

Famous people with the name Hawse

• Savanna Hawse: American actress best known for television films from the 2000s.
• O.J. Hawse: American college basketball coach who had an extensive career spanning seven decades.
• Anastasia Hawse: British fashion designer who has had pieces worn by celebrities.
• Kaleb Hawse: American musician and songwriter whose music has been featured in films as well as on television.
• Evan Hawse: Canadian born commercial film editor excels in comedy and suspense.
• Fred Hawse: American politician, served in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
• Talon Hawse: British dancer best known for appearing in the musical "Cats."
• Jordan Hawse: Professional dancer and teacher, best known for her fusion of hip hop and contemporary styles.
• Esther Hawse: American model who has modeled for fashion brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister.
• Steve Hawse: British actor and comedian who has starred in films, television and theatre productions.

Other surnames

Haws