Surname Backhouse - Meaning and Origin
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Backhouse: What does the surname Backhouse mean?
The surname Backhouse is of Old English origin, typically associated with individuals who lived or worked near a bakehouse, which was a place where bread was baked. The name is occupational and derives from the Middle English terms "bak" meaning "bake", and "hus" meaning "house." Therefore, it could denote someone who was a baker or worked in a bakery. The name traces back to pre 7th century Old English, showing a long history in the region. It should be noted that surnames back then were often given to individuals based on their occupation, residence, or a noteworthy characteristic. Like many surnames, various spellings of Backhouse have been observed throughout history such as Bakehouse, Backas, Bakhus, and others.
Order DNA origin analysisBackhouse: Where does the name Backhouse come from?
The surname Backhouse is of English origin, deriving from a topographic name or an occupational name. Specifically, it refers to a person who lived or worked near or at the 'backhouse'. In this context, a backhouse refers to a building located at the back of the main building, typically used for baking or brewing, or as a brewhouse. It might have also designated a worker employed in such a building. The name first appeared on record in Yorkshire during the 13th century.
Today, the surname is commonly found in England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire, as well as in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. It still remains a less common surname, which also might be found less frequently in other parts of the world due to emigration and the influences of the English language.
Variations of the surname Backhouse
The surname Backhouse is of Anglo-Saxon origin and can be traced back to Old English roots. It is a topographical surname denoting someone who lived near a bakehouse or worked in one. Alternative spellings of the surname Backhouse could include Bachouse, Bakhouse, Beckhouse, and Bauckhouse.
Surnames that have the same origin as Backhouse mainly revolve around occupational or topographical details. Surnames such as Baker, Bakes, Bake, Bainhouse, and Backer, perhaps have similar roots, given their link to the bakehouse or baking profession.
It's important to note that spelling variations often occurred due to the translation of names between languages and the phonetic spelling by different clerks and scribes. Hence, even though these surnames may not look exactly the same, they might share a common origin.
The surname Backhouse is most prevalent in England, with a significant presence in Australia and the United States. The different spelling variants and surnames originating from the same root often developed as families moved to new regions and countries, adjusting their names accordingly to fit the local language and script.
Famous people with the name Backhouse
1) Sir James Backhouse: A 19th-century British botanist and Quaker missionary, best known for his exploration of Australia and his extensive study of the region's flora. 2) Thomas William Backhouse: An English astronomer and philanthropist who contributed significantly to the observation and documentation of various celestial phenomena such as comets and seismic waves. 3) James Backhouse Walker: An Australian solicitor and historian, renowned for his work regarding the history of Tasmania. 4) Edmund Backhouse: A British orientalist, sinologist, and linguist known for his works on Chinese history, particularly during the Qing Dynasty. 5) Rosemary Anne Backhouse: A British politician, member of the Conservative party and served as the European Parliament Member for Lincolnshire and Humberside South. 6) John Backhouse: A British politician who served as the UK’s Secretary of State for War in the mid-19th century. 7) Kenneth Backhouse: A British Army officer and World War II veteran, known for being a recipient of the Distinguished Service Order and Bar. 8) Jack Backhouse: A British artist, primarily known for his watercolor paintings of landscapes and historical scenes. 9) Roger Backhouse: A prominent British architect who has contributed significantly to modern British architectural design. All these individuals made significant contributions in their respective fields, thereby earning recognition and fame.