Last Names/Surnames

100+ Surnames That Start With H: Most Popular & Unique Last Names

Looking for Surnames that start with H? From familiar family names such as Harris, Harrison, Hall, Hill, Hughes, Henderson, Hamilton, and Hunter to distinctive choices such as Hawthorne, Hollingsworth, Hargreaves, Hartwell, and Huntington, H surnames come from many cultures, languages, and naming traditions.

This collection of 100+ last names that start with H includes popular, unique, rare, and international surnames, along with their origins and naming insights. Whether you’re researching family history, creating a fictional character, or exploring family names alphabetically, these H surnames offer plenty of options.

Popular Surnames That Start With H

Some widely recognized surnames beginning with H include Harris, Harrison, Hall, Hill, Hughes, Henderson, Hamilton, Howard, Holmes, and Hunter.

Surname	Broad Origin
Harris	English / Welsh
Harrison	English
Hall	English / Scottish
Hill	English
Hughes	Welsh / English
Henderson	Scottish / English
Hamilton	Scottish
Howard	English
Holmes	English
Hunter	Scottish / English
Harper	English / Scottish
Hawkins	English
Hayes	English / Irish
Hanson	English / Scandinavian
Hart	English
Hardy	English / French
Haynes	English / Welsh
Hammond	English
Heath	English
Holland	English / Dutch

100+ Last Names That Start With H

Here is an alphabetical collection of surnames beginning with H, along with their broad origins and traditional associations.

1. Hall

Hall is an English and Scottish surname derived from the Middle English word for a hall or large residence. It could describe someone who lived or worked at a hall.

2. Hamilton

Hamilton is a Scottish surname associated with the historic Hamilton family and the lands of Hamilton in Scotland.

3. Hammond

Hammond is an English surname derived from medieval personal names such as Hamo or Hamon.

4. Hampton

Hampton is an English habitational surname associated with several places named Hampton.

5. Hancock

Hancock is an English patronymic surname meaning “son of John” through the medieval form Hankin.

6. Hanson

Hanson is an English and Scandinavian patronymic surname meaning “son of Hans” or “son of John.”

7. Harding

Harding is an English surname derived from the Old English personal name Harding.

8. Hardy

Hardy is an English and French surname that developed from a nickname describing someone as bold, brave, or hardy.

9. Harper

Harper is an English and Scottish occupational surname for someone who played or made harps.

10. Harris

Harris is an English and Welsh patronymic surname meaning “son of Harry” or Henry.

11. Harrison

Harrison is an English patronymic surname meaning “son of Harry.”

12. Hart

Hart is an English surname that may have developed from a nickname referring to a male deer.

13. Hartley

Hartley is an English habitational surname associated with places containing elements referring to a deer and a woodland or clearing.

14. Harvey

Harvey is an English and French surname derived from the Breton personal name Haerviu.

15. Hawkins

Hawkins is an English patronymic surname derived from medieval forms of the personal name Hawkin.

16. Hay

Hay is a Scottish and English surname associated with places named Hay and with the historic Scottish Hay family.

17. Hayes

Hayes is an English and Irish surname with several possible origins, including habitational and Gaelic roots.

18. Haynes

Haynes is an English and Welsh surname derived from medieval personal names such as Hagin or Haine.

19. Heath

Heath is an English topographical surname for someone who lived near a heath or open area of uncultivated land.

20. Henderson

Henderson is a Scottish and English patronymic surname meaning “son of Henry” or “son of Hendry.”

21. Henry

Henry is a surname derived from the medieval personal name Henry, ultimately of Germanic origin.

22. Herbert

Herbert is an English and Welsh surname derived from the Germanic personal name Herbert.

23. Hicks

Hicks is an English patronymic surname derived from the medieval personal name Hick, a form of Richard.

24. Higgins

Higgins is an English and Irish surname derived from medieval forms of Hugh or related personal names.

25. Hill

Hill is an English surname derived from a topographical feature, referring to someone who lived near a hill.

26. Hilton

Hilton is an English habitational surname associated with several places named Hilton.

27. Hines

Hines is an English and Irish surname with several possible origins, including patronymic forms of medieval personal names.

28. Hobbs

Hobbs is an English patronymic surname derived from Hob, a medieval form of Robert.

29. Hoffman

Hoffman is a German surname traditionally associated with a farm manager, steward, or person connected with a farm.

30. Holland

Holland is an English surname associated with the country name Holland and with several English place names.

31. Holmes

Holmes is an English surname derived from the Middle English word “holm,” referring to an island or low-lying land near water.

32. Holt

Holt is an English surname derived from a word meaning a small wood or grove.

33. Hopkins

Hopkins is an English and Welsh patronymic surname meaning “son of Hopkin,” a diminutive form of Robert.

34. Horton

Horton is an English habitational surname associated with several places called Horton.

35. Howard

Howard is an English surname of Norman and medieval English associations. It became particularly prominent among English noble families.

36. Hudson

Hudson is an English patronymic surname meaning “son of Hud,” a medieval personal name.

37. Hughes

Hughes is a Welsh and English patronymic surname meaning “son of Hugh.”

38. Hunt

Hunt is an English occupational surname for someone involved in hunting.

39. Hunter

Hunter is an English and Scottish occupational surname for a person who hunted game.

40. Hurst

Hurst is an English topographical surname referring to a wooded hill or grove.

41. Hutchinson

Hutchinson is an English and Scottish patronymic surname meaning “son of Hutchin,” a diminutive of Hugh.

42. Houghton

Houghton is an English habitational surname associated with numerous places of the same name.

43. Holmes

Holmes is an English surname associated with islands, meadows, or low-lying land near water.

44. Howe

Howe is an English surname derived from a topographical word referring to a hill, mound, or hollow depending on regional usage.

45. Howard

Howard is one of the best-known historic English surnames and is associated with the aristocratic Howard family.

46. Hoyt

Hoyt is an English surname with origins connected to Middle English descriptive or occupational terms.

47. Hooper

Hooper is an English occupational surname for someone who made or fitted hoops, especially around barrels.

48. Holden

Holden is an English habitational surname associated with places named Holden.

49. Holloway

Holloway is an English topographical surname referring to a sunken or hollow road.

50. Horner

Horner is an English occupational surname traditionally associated with someone who worked with horn.

51. Hargreaves

Hargreaves is an English surname of northern English origin, associated with place-name elements referring to a hare and grove or thicket.

52. Hartwell

Hartwell is an English habitational surname referring to a place associated with a spring or well and a hart.

53. Hawthorne

Hawthorne is an English surname associated with the hawthorn tree and may have originated as a topographical name.

54. Hawley

Hawley is an English habitational surname associated with places named Hawley.

55. Hayward

Hayward is an English occupational surname for someone responsible for protecting hedges, fences, or cultivated land.

56. Head

Head is an English surname that may have developed as a topographical or descriptive nickname.

57. Healy

Healy is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó hÉilidhe.

58. Healy

Healy is particularly associated with Irish family-name traditions and has several spelling variants.

59. Hennessy

Hennessy is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó hAonghusa.

60. Hensley

Hensley is an English surname associated with place-name traditions and medieval personal names.

61. Herrington

Herrington is an English habitational surname associated with several places in England.

62. Hewitt

Hewitt is an English surname derived from a diminutive form of Hugh.

63. Hilliard

Hilliard is an English surname derived from the medieval personal name Hildiard or related forms.

64. Hitchcock

Hitchcock is an English patronymic surname derived from Hitch, a medieval form of Richard.

65. Hoare

Hoare is an English surname that developed from a nickname associated with gray or white hair.

66. Hobson

Hobson is an English patronymic surname meaning “son of Hob,” a medieval form of Robert.

67. Hodgson

Hodgson is an English surname meaning “son of Hodge,” a medieval form of Roger.

68. Holbrook

Holbrook is an English habitational surname referring to a brook associated with a hollow or wooded area.

69. Hollis

Hollis is an English surname associated with holly trees or someone who lived near a holly grove.

70. Hollingsworth

Hollingsworth is an English habitational surname associated with a place name in Lancashire.

71. Holmes

Holmes is an English surname derived from landscape terminology associated with water and low-lying land.

72. Horner

Horner is an English occupational surname associated with working with horn.

73. Houghton

Houghton is an English place-based surname found in several parts of England.

74. House

House is an English surname that may have originated from a residence, household, or place name.

75. Houston

Houston is a Scottish surname derived from a place name in Renfrewshire.

76. Hume

Hume is a Scottish surname associated with the historic Hume family and places in the Scottish Borders.

77. Humphrey

Humphrey is a surname derived from the Germanic personal name Humphrey.

78. Humphreys

Humphreys is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Humphrey.”

79. Hurley

Hurley is an Irish and English surname associated with Irish Gaelic and English place-name traditions.

80. Huxley

Huxley is an English habitational surname associated with places named Huxley.

81. Hadley

Hadley is an English habitational surname associated with places named Hadley.

82. Haigh

Haigh is a northern English surname derived from a word associated with an enclosure or wooded area.

83. Hale

Hale is an English surname derived from a topographical term referring to a nook, corner, or remote place.

84. Halliday

Halliday is a Scottish and northern English surname traditionally associated with the phrase “holy day.”

85. Halstead

Halstead is an English habitational surname associated with places named Halstead.

86. Hancock

Hancock is an English surname derived from a medieval form of John.

87. Hanley

Hanley is an English and Irish habitational surname associated with several places.

88. Hardwick

Hardwick is an English habitational surname associated with places containing elements meaning hard or hardy and settlement or farm.

89. Hargrave

Hargrave is an English habitational surname associated with several English place names.

90. Harrington

Harrington is an English habitational surname associated with places named Harrington.

91. Hartman

Hartman is a German and Jewish surname derived from the Germanic elements associated with strength and man.

92. Hatfield

Hatfield is an English habitational surname associated with several places named Hatfield.

93. Hawkes

Hawkes is an English patronymic surname derived from Hawke or a related medieval personal name.

94. Haynes

Haynes is an English surname derived from medieval personal names and has several regional spelling variants.

95. Heathcote

Heathcote is an English habitational surname referring to a cottage or dwelling near a heath.

96. Hemmings

Hemmings is an English patronymic surname derived from medieval personal names such as Hemming.

97. Henderson

Henderson is a Scottish and northern English patronymic surname meaning “son of Hendry.”

98. Herrick

Herrick is an English surname derived from medieval personal names associated with Henry or Eric.

99. Heywood

Heywood is an English habitational surname referring to a high or enclosed wood.

100. Higham

Higham is an English habitational surname associated with places named Higham.

101. Higginson

Higginson is an English patronymic surname meaning “son of Higgin,” a medieval form related to Hugh.

102. Hogg

Hogg is a Scottish and northern English surname that may have originated as a nickname associated with a young sheep or pig.

103. Holman

Holman is an English surname with possible topographical or occupational origins.

104. Horner

Horner is an English occupational surname associated with horn working.

105. Howard

Howard is a historic English surname associated with the House of Howard.

106. Howells

Howells is a Welsh patronymic surname derived from the Welsh personal name Hywel.

107. Howell

Howell is a Welsh surname derived from the personal name Hywel.

108. Hooper

Hooper is an English occupational surname associated with making hoops for barrels.

109. Horne

Horne is an English and Scottish surname derived from the word “horn” and may have been occupational or topographical.

110. Hubbard

Hubbard is an English surname derived from the medieval personal name Hubert.

111. Hulme

Hulme is an English surname associated with a place name and landscape terminology.

112. Hutton

Hutton is an English and Scottish habitational surname associated with numerous places.

113. Hyde

Hyde is an English surname derived from an Old English unit of land or a place-name element.

114. Hynes

Hynes is an Irish surname related to the Gaelic Ó hEidhin.

115. Hannon

Hannon is an Irish surname associated with Gaelic family-name traditions.

116. Hanlon

Hanlon is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó hAnluain.

117. Harkin

Harkin is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó hEarcáin.

118. Hartigan

Hartigan is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó hArtagáin.

119. Heffernan

Heffernan is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó hIfearnáin.

120. Hogan

Hogan is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó hÓgáin, traditionally associated with a young person.

Unique Surnames That Start With H

If you’re looking for a distinctive surname, these H names have a memorable sound:

• Hawthorne
• Hollingsworth
• Hargreaves
• Huntington
• Hartwell
• Heathcote
• Haverford
• Honeywell
• Holloway
• Hadleigh
• Hawkesworth
• Hammersley
• Hardwick
• Harrington
• Highmore
• Holbrook
• Heywood
• Huxley
• Hatherley
• Henshaw

Some of these surnames are uncommon in certain regions, while others have long-established historical usage.

English Surnames That Start With H

Some English surnames beginning with H include:

• Hall
• Harris
• Harrison
• Hammond
• Hampton
• Hancock
• Harding
• Hardy
• Harper
• Hart
• Hartley
• Harvey
• Hawkins
• Hayes
• Heath
• Hill
• Hilton
• Holmes
• Holt
• Hopkins
• Horton
• Howard
• Hudson
• Hunt
• Hunter
• Hurst
• Hutchinson
• Hayward
• Holloway
• Hollis

Many English H surnames developed from occupations, personal names, places, nicknames, and landscape features.

Scottish Surnames That Start With H

Scottish surnames beginning with H include:

• Hamilton
• Henderson
• Hay
• Houston
• Hume
• Hunter
• Hall
• Harper
• Hogg
• Home
• Hayward
• Hamilton
• Hepburn
• Heron
• Hutchison
• Hutcheson
• Howie
• Halkett
• Hamilton
• Hope

Several Scottish H surnames are connected with historic clans, families, estates, and geographic locations.

Irish Surnames That Start With H

Examples of Irish surnames beginning with H include:

• Hayes
• Healy
• Hennessy
• Hurley
• Hynes
• Hannon
• Hanlon
• Harkin
• Hartigan
• Heffernan
• Hogan
• Hickey
• Higgins
• Holland
• Hanrahan
• Horgan
• Hegarty
• Halligan
• Horan
• Hoey

Irish H surnames include names derived from Gaelic patronymics, personal names, places, and anglicized family names.

Welsh Surnames That Start With H

Examples include:

• Harris
• Hughes
• Howell
• Howells
• Humphrey
• Humphreys
• Herbert
• Haynes
• Hopkins
• Griffith
• Huws
• Hywel
• Havard
• Harry
• Hamer

Welsh surnames often developed from traditional personal names and patronymic naming systems.

French Surnames That Start With H

Some French surnames beginning with H include:

• Henry
• Hubert
• Hébert
• Hervé
• Hamelin
• Hardy
• Huguet
• Huet
• Houde
• Houdin
• Hervieux
• Héroux
• Hilaire
• Honoré
• Hébert

French surnames beginning with H can reflect personal names, occupations, places, and regional naming traditions.

Spanish Surnames That Start With H

Examples include:

• Hernández
• Herrera
• Hidalgo
• Hurtado
• Huerta
• Heredia
• Herrero
• Holguín
• Hinojosa
• Hormaza
• Haro
• Herrera
• Hermida
• Higuera
• Hernández

Spanish H surnames often developed from patronymics, occupations, geographic locations, and descriptive terms.

Italian Surnames That Start With H

Italian surnames beginning with H are less common because the letter H has limited use in traditional Italian spelling. However, some surnames found in Italy or Italian-speaking communities include:

• Huber
• Hofer
• Hoffer
• Huber
• Heller
• Holzer
• Hutter
• Hirt
• Hoffmann
• Hinteregger

Many Italian surnames beginning with H are concentrated in northern regions and may reflect Germanic linguistic influence.

German Surnames That Start With H

German H surnames include:

• Haas
• Hahn
• Haller
• Hartmann
• Hartung
• Hauser
• Heine
• Heinrich
• Heinz
• Hermann
• Herzog
• Hoffmann
• Hofmann
• Holzer
• Huber
• Hund
• Hirsch
• Horn
• Hummel
• Herbst

German surnames beginning with H often developed from occupations, personal names, nicknames, animals, and geographic features.

Portuguese Surnames That Start With H

Examples include:

• Henriques
• Homem
• Henriques
• Holanda
• Horta
• Hortas
• Henriques
• Homem de Melo

Portuguese surnames beginning with H are comparatively uncommon, and some reflect older personal names, place names, or family traditions.

Indian Surnames That Start With H

India has diverse surname traditions shaped by region, language, occupation, community, and family history.

Examples include:

• Hegde
• Haldar
• Halder
• Handa
• Handa
• Harit
• Havanur
• Hiremath
• Holla
• Hegde
• Honnavar
• Huilgol
• Hegde
• Hugar
• Harshe
• Havanur
• Hombegowda
• Hegde
• Haridas
• Hussain

Indian surnames can have different histories and associations depending on the region and family.

Jewish Surnames That Start With H

Some Jewish surnames beginning with H include:

• Hoffman
• Horowitz
• Hirsch
• Heller
• Herz
• Haber
• Halpern
• Halperin
• Hyman
• Heilman
• Hochberg
• Hoffmann
• Holzman
• Hamburger
• Hecht
• Horovitz

Jewish surnames developed across many countries and languages, so the origin of an individual family name should be considered alongside geographic and family records.

Scandinavian Surnames That Start With H

Examples include:

• Hansen
• Hansson
• Henriksen
• Henriksson
• Holm
• Holberg
• Haug
• Haugen
• Hagen
• Hedlund
• Hellberg
• Hult
• Holmberg
• Holst
• Håkansson

Scandinavian surname traditions include patronymic names as well as surnames derived from nature, landscapes, and places.

Short Surnames That Start With H

If you’re looking for a short surname beginning with H, consider:

• Hall
• Hale
• Hart
• Hay
• Hill
• Holt
• Hunt
• Hyde
• Hume
• Hope
• Hogg
• Hood
• Howe
• Hoare
• Horne

Short surnames can pair well with longer first or middle names.

Long Surnames That Start With H

For a longer and more distinctive surname, consider:

• Hollingsworth
• Hutchinson
• Hargreaves
• Harrington
• Heathcote
• Higginson
• Huntington
• Hammersmith
• Haverford
• Hamilton
• Humphreys
• Hernández
• Henriksson
• Holbrooke
• Hawkesworth

Long surnames can be particularly effective for fictional characters, historical naming projects, and creative writing.

Rare and Uncommon Last Names Starting With H

If you’re looking for an unusual H surname, consider:

• Hawthorne
• Hollingsworth
• Heathcote
• Hargreaves
• Huntington
• Hartwell
• Haverford
• Hatherley
• Honeywell
• Hawkesworth
• Hammersley
• Highmore
• Holbrooke
• Henstridge
• Henshaw
• Harcourt
• Haverhill
• Huxley
• Hadleigh
• Honeycutt

The term rare surname is relative. A surname that is uncommon globally may be well established in a particular country or region.

How Surnames That Start With H Developed

H surnames come from several major naming traditions.

Patronymic Surnames

Patronymic surnames developed from an ancestor’s personal name.

Examples include:

• Harris — “son of Harry”
• Harrison — “son of Harry”
• Henderson — “son of Hendry”
• Hughes — “son of Hugh”
• Hopkins — “son of Hopkin”
• Hudson — “son of Hud”
• Hutchinson — “son of Hutchin”
• Humphreys — “son of Humphrey”
• Higgins — derived from a medieval personal name

These surnames preserve elements of older naming systems based on family relationships.

Occupational Surnames

Several H surnames originated from occupations.

Examples include:

• Harper — harp player or maker
• Hunter — hunter
• Hunt — hunter
• Hooper — maker or fitter of hoops
• Hayward — guardian of hedges or cultivated land
• Horner — worker in horn
• Herd — herdsman

Occupational surnames often developed when a person’s profession became an identifying feature.

Habitational Surnames

Some H surnames originated from places where families lived or originated.

Examples include:

• Hamilton
• Hampton
• Hadley
• Hartley
• Hilton
• Horton
• Houghton
• Houston
• Hutton
• Hatfield
• Harrington
• Holbrook
• Heywood

Descriptive Surnames

Some surnames developed from nicknames or descriptions.

Examples include:

• Hardy
• Gray
• Hart
• Hogg
• Hoare
• Hollis
• Horne
• Hunter

These names could refer to physical characteristics, animals, personality, occupation, or surrounding landscape.

How to Choose a Surname That Starts With H

If you’re choosing an H surname for a fictional character, pen name, creative project, or family-history project, consider these factors.

1. Consider the Sound

Say the complete first and last name aloud. Check whether the syllables flow naturally.

2. Think About the Origin

If cultural authenticity matters, research the documented origin of the surname before using it.

3. Check Spelling Variations

Many surnames have different spellings across countries and languages. For example, Hoffman and Hoffmann are related surname forms found in different linguistic traditions.

4. Consider the Length

A short first name can pair well with a longer surname such as Hollingsworth, while a longer first name may work better with a short surname such as Hall or Hart.

5. Research Family History

For genealogy, look beyond the surname. Birth records, marriage certificates, census documents, immigration records, church registers, and historical directories can provide stronger evidence about a family’s history.

FAQs

What are some popular surnames that start with H?

Some well-known H surnames include Harris, Harrison, Hall, Hill, Hughes, Henderson, Hamilton, Howard, Holmes, Hunter, Harper, and Hawkins.

What are some unique surnames that start with H?

Some distinctive H surnames include Hawthorne, Hollingsworth, Hargreaves, Huntington, Hartwell, Heathcote, Haverford, Holloway, Hatherley, and Hawkesworth.

What are some English last names that start with H?

Examples include Hall, Harris, Harrison, Hammond, Harper, Hardy, Hart, Harvey, Hawkins, Heath, Hill, Holmes, Holt, Howard, Hudson, Hunt, and Hunter.

What are some Irish surnames that start with H?

Examples include Hayes, Healy, Hennessy, Hurley, Hynes, Hannon, Hanlon, Harkin, Hartigan, Heffernan, Hogan, Higgins, and Horan.

What are some Scottish surnames that start with H?

Examples include Hamilton, Henderson, Hay, Houston, Hume, Hunter, Hogg, Hepburn, Hope, Hutcheson, Hutchison, and Halliday.

What are some Welsh surnames that start with H?

Examples include Harris, Hughes, Howell, Howells, Humphrey, Humphreys, Herbert, Haynes, Hopkins, and Huws.

What are some Spanish surnames that start with H?

Examples include Hernández, Herrera, Hidalgo, Hurtado, Huerta, Heredia, Herrero, Holguín, Hinojosa, and Haro.

What are some Italian surnames that start with H?

Italian surnames beginning with H are relatively uncommon. Examples found particularly in northern Italy include Huber, Hofer, Hoffer, Heller, Holzer, and Hutter.

What are some Indian surnames that start with H?

Examples include Hegde, Haldar, Halder, Handa, Hiremath, Holla, Hugar, Haridas, Havanur, and Hussain. Indian surname traditions vary significantly by region and language.

What are some German surnames that start with H?

Examples include Haas, Hahn, Haller, Hartmann, Hartung, Hauser, Heine, Heinrich, Hermann, Herzog, Hoffmann, Huber, Hirsch, Horn, and Hummel.

What are some Portuguese surnames that start with H?

Examples include Henriques, Homem, Holanda, and Horta. Portuguese surnames beginning with H are relatively uncommon.

What does the surname Harris mean?

Harris is generally considered a patronymic surname derived from a medieval form of Harry or Henry, with the sense of “son of Harry.”

What does the surname Harrison mean?

Harrison is an English patronymic surname meaning “son of Harry.”

What does the surname Hunter mean?

Hunter is an occupational surname referring to someone whose work involved hunting game. It has strong historical associations with both England and Scotland.

Are surnames, last names, and family names the same?

In everyday English, surname, last name, and family name are often used interchangeably. However, naming conventions differ across cultures, and some societies follow different family-naming systems.

Can the same H surname have different origins?

Yes. Similar or identical surnames can develop independently in different regions. Migration, language changes, spelling variations, and local naming traditions can all influence surname history.

How can I find the origin of my H surname?

Start with the locations where your family lived and investigate historical records such as birth certificates, marriage records, census documents, immigration records, church registers, and historical directories. Surname databases can provide useful background information, but family records are more useful for establishing a specific family’s history.

Final Thoughts

Surnames that start with H offer a fascinating mix of popular, unique, rare, and international last names. From familiar names such as Harris, Harrison, Hall, Hill, Hughes, and Henderson to distinctive choices such as Hawthorne, Hollingsworth, Hargreaves, Heathcote, and Huntington, H surnames represent a wide range of cultural and linguistic traditions.