Surname Houghs - Meaning and Origin

Houghs: What does the surname Houghs mean?

The last name Houghs has a few different meanings, depending on its origins. It can be of English origin, with the original meaning of an area of land enclosed for farming or grazing by a low wall or hedge. In Scotland it can be an variant of the surname Hume, meaning "bearlikeness", a reference to someone with bear-like features. In Germany Houghs is derived from the Middle High German word "hude" meaning "protection or guard". This could indicate a family who were once responsible for the safe errands of a lord or nobleman, or responsible for the protection of a region or area. It can also be of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó hEachaidh, meaning "descendant of Eachadh", with Eachadh most likely being derived from the Old Irish word "each", which can also be translated to "horse". This indicates a family with a long tradition of horsemanship.

The modern usage of the surname is also quite varied. People from the Houghs family are found scattered across the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia, and take on a variety of occupations. There are Houghs who are farmers, soldiers, teachers, lawyers, businessmen, police officers, and many other professions.

Houghs: Where does the name Houghs come from?

The last name Houghs is extremely common throughout the United Kingdom. It originated from an old English Anglo-Saxon name, meaning "a hillock or mound" and was derived from the Old English "ufer", meaning "raised land". The Houghs family could be found in the ancient counties of Cheshire, Lancashire, and Yorkshire in Northern England.

In modern times, the last name Houghs is still much spread throughout the United Kingdom. In England, it is particularly common in Northern England with high numbers in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the Midlands. Houghs is also common in Scotland, particularly in the Scottish Borders, Angus, and Aberdeenshire.

Today, the Houghs are a well known and respected family in these northern regions of the UK, and the name is often associated with strong family values, loyalty, and reliability.

Outside of the United Kingdom, the Houghs name can be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, carried there by emigrants of the 19th and 20th centuries.

In the United States, Houghs is particularly common in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Oregon. In Canada, the name is most common in the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. In Australia, the name is most commonly found in Queensland and New South Wales, while in New Zealand, the Northern region of the country.

Variations of the surname Houghs

The surname Houghs is a English, Greek, German, and Irish name that is derived from the Old French personal name "Hugh". The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:

-Hanchez or Hancher (German)

-Hauh (Greek)

-Hauge (German, English, and Irish)

-Hauges (Scottish)

-Haugh (English and Scottish)

-Hauk (German)

-Hauke (Scottish and German)

-Haul (English, Welsh, and Irish)

-Haux (English)

-Hawke (English, Irish, German, Dutch, and Scandinavian)

-Hoack (English)

-Hoag (English)

-Hoake (English)

-Hog (English and Scottish)

-Hogg (English)

-Hooge (Scandinavian)

-Hodge (English and Scottish)

-Hodgee (English)

-Howge (English)

-Houk (English and Dutch)

-Houke (English and Scottish)

-Houl (Irish)

-Hough (English and Welsh)

-Hougue (English)

-Houp (English)

-Howell (English and Welsh)

This family name is most commonly pronounced as "HUFFS", although the spelling can is sometimes seen with a silent "GH" as in "HOUGHS".

Famous people with the name Houghs

• Derek Hough: Emmy Award-winning professional dancer, singer, and actor on the ABC hit series Dancing with the Stars.
• Julianne Hough: Emmy Award-winning professional dancer, singer, and actor on the ABC hit series Dancing with the Stars.
• Katherine Hough: American chef and television personality known for her appearances on the series Top Chef and Food Network Challenge.
• Mark Hough: Musician, songwriter, and producer who has released several albums in genres including indie, Americana, and rock.
• Astra Hough: American figure skater who is the 2019 U.S. national junior champion.
• Frankie Hough: British musician, best known as the lead singer of the band The Seahorses.
• Dan Hough: English former professional footballer who made over 100 appearances for English clubs in the 1990s.
• David Hough: American professor, writer, and speaker in the field of motorcycling safety.
• Robert Hough: Canadian author and poet whose work explores themes of technology, war, and human emotions.
• Darren Hough: English jazz drummer and composer who has released numerous albums as a solo artist and with his band, The Darren Hough Ensemble.

Other surnames

HoughHoughmanHoughtalingHoughton