Howard

boyEnglish (Norman surname)

Howard is an boy name of English (Norman surname) origin, meaning “Uncertain; possibly 'brave heart'”.

MeaningUncertain; possibly 'brave heart'
GenderBoy
OriginEnglish (Norman surname)
PronunciationHOW-erd
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Howard

Howard comes from an English surname whose origin is debated. Proposals include the Germanic name Hughard, from hug, 'heart, mind', and hard, 'brave', and English occupational terms such as 'ewe-herd' or 'hayward', an officer who guarded fences, so 'high guardian' is only one guess. The surname became famous through the Howard Dukes of Norfolk, one of England's great noble families. Howard was popular as a first name in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Is Howard a religious name?

Howard is an English surname name with no religious background.

How popular is Howard?

Mostly found among older men today; seldom given to babies.

Gifts with the name Howard

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Spellings and variants of Howard

Howie

Names similar to Howard

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Howard mean?

Howard means 'Uncertain; possibly 'brave heart''. It is of English (Norman surname) origin.

Does Howard have a religious meaning?

Howard is an English surname name with no religious background.

How do you pronounce Howard?

Howard is pronounced HOW-erd.

Is Howard a boy or girl name?

Howard is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.