What does Howland mean and where does it come from?
Howland is a surname that has been used as a given name. It is of English origin and is derived from a place name, signifying 'hollow land'. The name has connections to various notable individuals, including the English explorer John Howland, who was a passenger on the Mayflower. The use of Howland
Cultural significance
Howland has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hollow land.
Peak popularity
Reached #3566 in 1952 — currently #12930 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Howland?
Howland works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Howland Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Howland Rose
Floral · soft ending
Howland Mae
Sweet · timeless
Howland Claire
French influence · crisp
Howland Jane
Literary · strong
Howland Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Howland right now?
Falling — down 7974 spots — currently #12930 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12930 | 5 | ▼ down 7974 |
| 1970 | #4956 | 5 | ▼ down 1209 · -17% births |
| 1915 | #3747 | 6 | — |
The story of Howland
Howland entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 17 total births recorded, Howland remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3747 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12930 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Howland in 1952:
💎Howland has only 17 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Howland?
What names sound and feel like Howland?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Howland also consider these
Common questions about the name Howland
What does the name Howland mean?
Howland means "Hollow land" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Howland?
Howland is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Howland?
Howland originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Howland?
Howland is a two-syllable name pronounced HH AW1 L AH0 N D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Howland a common or rare name?
Howland is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.