Philhower Surname: Origin, Meaning & Coat of Arms

The Philhower last name has Dutch roots. The usual explanation, from Elsdon Smith, is “one who made files, a corruption of the original Villhouwer”.

Where the name comes from

Trade names like this once told neighbours apart by their work.

In the 2010 US Census, 870 Americans gave Philhower as their last name (rank 27,646).

Family crest and blazon

Sharing the Philhower name is not the same as sharing a crest; arms were granted to individual families.

Research your Philhower family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.