"high guardian, high watchman"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Old English
Howard
Pronunciation: [ h-OW-erd ]
Does Howard flow with your last name?
An aristocratic guardian's name ripe for revival
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American
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Howard
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"heart brave"
Origin: Old English alternative
Language: Old English
"ewe herder"
Origin: Old English occupational
Language: Old English
Browse names with similar meanings:
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Things to Know About This Name
- Howard Stern association may polarize — some see it as edgy, others as unwanted
The Story of Howard
Howard derives from the Old Norse 'Havardr' — combining 'ha' (high) and 'vardr' (guardian, watchman) — meaning high guardian. It was introduced to England by Scandinavian settlers and became a prominent English surname carried by the powerful Howard family, Dukes of Norfolk, one of England's oldest aristocratic families. As a given name it gained widespread use in English-speaking countries from the 19th century onward.
Howard peaked in the United States in the 1920s-1940s, carried by aviator Howard Hughes and many prominent figures of that era. It has declined significantly as a boys' name, now feeling firmly vintage. Some parents are beginning to reclaim it as part of the retro-name revival cycle.
Howard Hughes — aviation pioneer, film producer, and reclusive billionaire — made Howard synonymous with eccentric genius in American culture. The Howard family, Dukes of Norfolk, have been one of England's most powerful Catholic noble families for five centuries, giving the surname enormous historical weight.
Historical Record
Howard first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 106,163 babies have been named Howard in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Howard is past its peak , currently ranked #1,056 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Howard Hughes (1905-1976) was one of the most influential and eccentric figures of the 20th century — aviator, filmmaker, and businessman who became increasingly reclusive in later life
- The Howard family, Dukes of Norfolk, are England's highest-ranking non-royal aristocrats and hereditary Earl Marshal — they organize royal funerals and coronations
- Howard University in Washington D.C., one of America's most prestigious Historically Black Universities, was named after General Oliver Otis Howard who helped establish it after the Civil War
Howard in Other Languages
French
Howard
German
Howard
English
Howard
Spanish
Howard
Japanese
ハワード
Popularity Over Time
#1,056
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Howard
H
Howard Stern
Entertainer
1954
American radio and television personality known as the King of All Media, famous for his controversial and boundary-push...
American radio and television personality known as the King of All Media, famous for his controversial and boundary-pushing style
R
Ron Howard
Actor
1954
American filmmaker and actor known for directing Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and Splash; formerly child actor on The An...
American filmmaker and actor known for directing Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and Splash; formerly child actor on The Andy Griffith Show
H
Howard Hughes
Business
1905
American aviation pioneer, film director, and billionaire businessman known for his obsessive personality and groundbrea...
American aviation pioneer, film director, and billionaire businessman known for his obsessive personality and groundbreaking contributions to aviation
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Compare Howard with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,056
- Total SSA Count
- 207
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Howie
Ward
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Howard
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Howard is also used as a girl name, ranked #38874.
View Howard as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Howard
What does the name Howard mean?
"high guardian, high watchman" (from Old Norse). "heart brave" (from Old English alternative). "ewe herder" (from Old English occupational). Howard derives from the Old Norse 'Havardr' — combining 'ha' (high) and 'vardr' (guardian, watchman) — meaning high guardian. It was introduced to England by Scandinavian settlers and became a prominent English surname carried by the powerful Howard family, Dukes of Norfolk, one of England's oldest aristocratic families. As a given name it gained widespread use in English-speaking countries from the 19th century onward.
What is the origin of the name Howard?
Howard has Old Norse, Old English alternative, Old English occupational, English, and American origins. In Old Norse, it means "high guardian, high watchman". In Old English alternative, it means "heart brave". In Old English occupational, it means "ewe herder".
Is Howard a boy or girl name?
Howard is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1056. As a girl name, it is ranked #38874. Howard is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Howard?
Howard is pronounced h-OW-erd.
How popular is the name Howard?
Howard is currently ranked #1056 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Howard?
Common nicknames for Howard include Howie and Ward.
What are good middle names for Howard?
Popular middle name pairings include Howard James, Howard Lee, Howard Dean, Howard Allen, Howard Eugene, Howard Albert, and Howard Russell.
What are good sibling names for Howard?
Names that pair well with Howard as siblings include Clarence, Bernard, Edmund, Dorothy, Mildred, Harriet, and Florence.
How many syllables does Howard have?
Howard has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Howard a common or rare name?
Howard is an uncommon name, ranked #1056 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Howard
Howard is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "high guardian, high watchman" in Old Norse .
Is Howard a boy or girl name? Howard is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,056 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #38,874. Howard is more commonly used as a boy name.
Howard is currently ranked #1,056 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Howard has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-OW-erd, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Howard include Howie and Ward. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis