Show ContentsHoweham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Howeham surname are thought to be habitational, that is, derived from a pre-existing place name. The place name in turn is based on the Old English word "hoh," meaning "the spur of a hill."

Early Origins of the Howeham family

The surname Howeham was first found in Kent at Hougham, a parish, in the union of Newark, wapentake of Loveden 1 where one of the first records of the name was found in the Pipe Rolls of 1207 as William de Huham. 2 Today Church Hougham and West Hougham, collectively known as "Hougham" are within Hougham Without, in the district of Dover. The Channel Tunnel runs underground just south of West Hougham. Hougham is also small parish in Lincolnshire and ironically it is this parish which is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Hacham. 3

Early History of the Howeham family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Howeham research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1157, 1199, 1606 and 1696 are included under the topic Early Howeham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Howeham Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Howeham have been found, including Hougham, Huffam and others.

Early Notables of the Howeham family

More information is included under the topic Early Howeham Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Howeham family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Howeham, or a variant listed above: Pearce Houghan, who arrived in Maryland in 1679; Solomon Huffam, who arrived in Virginia in 1721; and William Huffam, who came to New York, NY in 1822..



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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