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Howard

♂ Boy

Pronounced HOW-erd /ˈhaʊ.ərd/High

Meaning: High guardian or sheep herder; from Old Norse Hávarðr (hay guardian, yard guardian) or Old Germanic Hugihard (mind-hardy)Medium

In 30 seconds: An English surname of Norse/Germanic origin, meaning 'high guardian' or 'sheep herder.' Associated with eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, the Howard family name, and as a classic mid-20th century American given name.

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Origin MediumGermanic, Norse

MeaningHigh guardian or sheep herder; from Old Norse Hávarðr (hay guardian, yard guardian) or Old Germanic Hugihard (mind-hardy)

U.S. rank (2025)#1004 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births226 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1921

Total births (all-time)≈ 346,670

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Howard is an English surname from Old Norse Hávarðr (hay guardian or yard guardian) or from Old Germanic Hugihard (mind-hardy). It became one of England's great aristocratic families (Dukes of Norfolk) and then a common English given name.

Howard peaked in the U.S. in the 1940s–1960s and has declined. It ranked #1056 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Howard Hughes (1905–1976), one of America's most eccentric billionaires, became in his later years one of the most famous recluses in the world — his obsessive-compulsive disorder, vast wealth, and mysterious life made him a legendary figure of American mythology.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Howard — Norse/Germanic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Howie

Nicknames

HowieHo

Famous Bearers

★Howard Hughes (1905–1976)
American business magnate, aviator, film producer, and recluse. His eccentric later life and vast fortune made him a legendary figure.

If you like Howard…

Harold— two-syllable H- name from the same mid-century English tradition

Harvey— two-syllable H- name from the same Old French/Norman heritage

Henry— two-syllable H- Germanic name with the same classic English character

Bernard— shares the -rd ending

Leonard— a fellow Germanic choice

Explore names like Howard

By themeclassic two-syllable germanic surname-style norse mid-century

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Howard mean?

Howard means 'high guardian' or 'hay guardian,' from Old Norse Hávarðr or Germanic Hugihard. The exact etymology is disputed.

How do you pronounce Howard?

It's said HOW-erd — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Howard a boy or girl name?

Howard is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Howard?

Howard ranked #1056 for U.S. boys in 2024.