It used to be thought that this name was derived from the Old English name Hereweard or Hereward, "army guardian" but this seems not to be the case. It is probably Scandinavian in origin, and began as the surname of an English aristocratic family (originally the name was spelled Haward, and probably comes from the words ha "high" and, similar to the Old English, ward or "guardian."
The Howard family have played a prominent role in history; for instance, Katherine Howard was the 5th wife of King Henry Vii (she was executed for adultery.) Today Castle Howard in Yorkshire is one of Britain's best known stately homes, and was the setting for the TV series Brideshead Revisited.
Howard was a widespread name in both Britain and the US in the 20th century, although it is now unfashionable. Famous bearers of the name include American film director Howard Hawks and reclusive businessman Howard Hughes.
The Howard family have played a prominent role in history; for instance, Katherine Howard was the 5th wife of King Henry Vii (she was executed for adultery.) Today Castle Howard in Yorkshire is one of Britain's best known stately homes, and was the setting for the TV series Brideshead Revisited.
Howard was a widespread name in both Britain and the US in the 20th century, although it is now unfashionable. Famous bearers of the name include American film director Howard Hawks and reclusive businessman Howard Hughes.
