HOME > Houston Name Origin
Introduction
Choosing a name for your child is a big decision, and one that should not be taken lightly. Many parents look to the past for inspiration, and one name that has a rich history is Houston. The name is closely associated with the state of Texas, and has been made famous by a number of notable figures throughout history.
The Origin of the Name Houston
The origin of the name Houston is believed to be Native American. It is thought to have been derived from the name of a tribe that lived in the area that is now Houston, Texas. The tribe was known as the Akokisa, and their name was pronounced "u-ston". Over time, the pronunciation of the name evolved to become Houston.
Sam Houston
The name Houston was made famous by Sam Houston, a prominent figure in Texas history. Houston was born in Virginia in 1793, and moved to Tennessee as a young man. He served in the War of 1812, and later became a lawyer and politician. In 1827, he was elected governor of Tennessee, and served in that role for two terms.
The Battle of San Jacinto
In 1836, Houston moved to Texas, which was then a part of Mexico. He quickly became involved in the fight for Texas independence, and was named commander-in-chief of the Texas army. In April of that year, Houston led his troops to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas' independence from Mexico. Houston was later elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas.
Houston, Texas
The city of Houston, Texas was named in honor of Sam Houston. The city was founded in 1836, just a few months after the Battle of San Jacinto. It was originally named "Houston's Landing", but the name was later shortened to Houston. Today, Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and is home to over 2 million people.
Other Famous People Named Houston
In addition to Sam Houston, there have been a number of other famous people named Houston throughout history. One of the most notable is Whitney Houston, the legendary singer and actress. Houston was born in New Jersey in 1963, and went on to become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She died in 2012 at the age of 48.
Conclusion
The name Houston has a rich history that dates back to the early days of Texas. It is believed to have been derived from the name of a Native American tribe, and was later made famous by Sam Houston, a prominent figure in Texas history. Today, the name is still popular, and is a great choice for parents who are looking for a strong and meaningful name for their child.
