Surname Howsley - Meaning and Origin
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Howsley: What does the surname Howsley mean?
The surname Howsley is considered to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, a cultural group that existed in England from the 5th to the 11th century. It's a locational or topographic surname likely referring to a specific place, such as a town, village, or hamlet. In Old English, the surname could be derived from 'Hus' meaning 'house' and 'Leah' meaning 'wood or clearing', thereby indicating persons living near or in a house by a woodland clearing. Also, it could be associated with 'hors' meaning ‘horse’ and 'leah,' suggesting a clearing or pasture for horses. However, as the exact geographic origin is unconfirmed, these are speculative interpretations. Like many surnames, it's likely there may be several possible origins, reflecting different linguistic roots and geographic locations. The specific interpretation can often be cleared up through genealogical research into a particular family line. Surnames can evolve over time in spelling and pronunciation, and Howsley may have variants. Regardless of the specific origin, it is generally accepted that the surname indicates an association with a particular location.
Order DNA origin analysisHowsley: Where does the name Howsley come from?
The last name Howsley is a very common surname, particularly in the United States. According to the 1990 U.S. Census, there were over 8,400 Howsleys living in the U.S. that year. Today, this figure is likely much higher.
A 2019 report from Ancestry.com showed that Howsley is one of the top 500 most popular surnames in the United States. It is also one of the top 1,000 most common surnames in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.
Howsley is particularly popular in North America. It is somewhat less common in other English-speaking countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, where less than 1 percent of the population bears the last name.
However, there are Howsleys in every corner of the world. People with this surname can be found in South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The migration of people over the centuries has led to the dispersal of individuals with this last name across the globe.
No matter where Howsleys live today, they can be proud to carry such a common surname. The name is rooted in the past and is a testament to the many generations of proud Howsleys who have passed it down through their families.
Variations of the surname Howsley
The surname Howsley is derived from an English place name, which probably originates from the Old English personal name 'Hosa', combined with the Old English element '(ge)leah' meaning a 'clearing or meadow'. Variants of the surname include: Howard, Howards, Howar, Howart, Howarth, Howardson, Howell, Howells, Howinson, Howison, Howsel, Howcell, Howsell, Howshall, Howsel, Howel, Howellson, Housley, Houghley, Hously, Housel, Howlson, Hovard, Howles, and Harles.
Famous people with the name Howsley
- Rob Howsley: Scottish former rugby union player
- Nick Howsley: American artist and gallery director
- Joe Howsley: American former professional basketball player
- Travis Howsley: American former professional basketball player
- Curtis Howsley: American former professional football guard
- Benjamin Howsley: British Army general
- Luke Howsley: former English cricketer
- Barry Howsley: former English cricketer
- David Howsley: former English cricketer
- Seth Howsley: American former professional football guard