Surname Backus - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Backus: What does the surname Backus mean?
The surname Backus is of English origin and traces back to the pre-10th-century Old English words "bac" or "baec", meaning back, and "hus", meaning house. So potentially, it could have denoted a house situated at a remote or back location. The name may have also been used as an occupational surname for a baker, as the Middle English word "bakhus" means bakehouse. Notable people with the surname Backus include American inventor John Backus who developed the FORTRAN programming language, and actor Jim Backus known for his role as "Mr. Magoo". The name is also associated with The Backus Baronetcy, a title in the Baronetage of England. As with all surnames, the specific interpretation may vary based on the family line's narrative and history.
Order DNA origin analysisBackus: Where does the name Backus come from?
The last name Backus is of English origin, derived from a pet form of the medieval personal name Bac(c)us. This was either from the Roman god Bacchus, the god of wine or from a continuation of Old English Bacca. The surname is common in the United States, specifically in the northeastern region where many English settlers originally landed. The name can also be found, to a lesser extent, in England and other English-speaking countries. While the surname Backus has traveled far and maintains a presence in several countries, it retains a particular concentration in the United States. Famous people with the surname include Jim Backus, an American actor known for his role as Mr. Howell in the TV series "Gilligan's Island," and John Backus, an American computer scientist notable for developing the FORTRAN programming language.
Variations of the surname Backus
The surname Backus can be spelled in a variety of ways, demonstrating the different cultural and historical influences that have shaped it. Some of these variant spellings include Bacchus, Baccus, Bacas, Backes, Bacus, Bakehouse, Bakus, and Backhaus.
In some instances, it could be an anglicized form of the German surname Backhaus, which translates to "bake house". This could indicate a family profession of baking.
The surname Bacchus and Bacas are variants that may link to the Greek and Roman god of wine, denoting that the ancestors could have been involved in wine making or selling. These surnames may have changed and evolved over time due to migration, regional dialects, and spellings.
There are also derivative surnames that could be connected to Backus such as Backhouse, which is common in England. These types of surnames were often given to people based on their association with certain landmarks or geographical features.
Varying geographical regions and countries would have different norms and conventions in surname spelling which contributes to the diversity in the spellings of the Backus surname.
Famous people with the name Backus
- Jim Backus: He was a famous American actor, known widely for his roles in "Gilligan's Island" and "Rebel Without a Cause."
- James Backus: Renowned American computer scientist who invented the FORTRAN language for IBM.
- John W. Backus: A highly respected American physician and author who introduced a non-surgical treatment for back pain.
- Charlie Backus: An American comedian and TV actor, known for the TV series, "The Danny Thomas Show."
- Georgia Backus: An American actress known for her work in "Citizen Kane" and many classic radio dramas.
- Jean Backus: A Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist who worked for The Washington Post.
- Gordon Backus: An American actor active in the 1950s, known for playing supporting roles in westerns.
- Frederic Backus: A well-known American chemist in the 19th Century.
- Samuel W. Backus: An American railroad executive who played a pivotal role in developing California’s railroad system in the 19th century.
- Isaac Backus: A leading Baptist preacher during the era of the American Revolution.
- Bob Backus: An American actor who portrayed Hercules in the 1958 Italian film "Hercules."
- Ethel Backus: Known for her work on "The Price of Power" (1969), "Secret Agent" (1964), and "Sunday Night Theatre" (1950). Please note some of these persons may not be well-known globally, their fame can be relative to their fields or geography.