Backus is a middle English surname deriving from the Old English bacan "to bake" and hus "house." It is believed to have originated in the north English historic counties of Cumberland and Durham. People Notable people with the surname include: A. E. Backus (1909–1990), American artist Azel Backus (1765–1816), first President of Hamilton College in New York Billy Backus (born 1943), former world boxing champion Edward Burdette Backus (1888–1955), American Unitarian minister and humanist Edward Wellington Backus (1861–1934), American timber baron Frederick F. Backus (1794–1858), American physician and member of the New York State Senate George Edward Backus (born 1930), American geophysicist Gus Backus (1937–2019), American singer Henny Backus (1911–2004), Broadway showgirl and wife of Jim Backus Henry T. Backus (1809–1877), American politician, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan and judge in Arizona Territory Isaac Backus (1724–1806), American Baptist preacher and politician Jan Backus (20th century), Vermont state senator Jeff Backus (born 1977), American professional football player Jim Backus (1913–1989), American actor John Backus (1924–2007), American computer scientist Samuel W. Backus, 19th-century American politician from California Sharron Backus (born 1946), American former softball player and coach Shea Backus (born 1975), American politician Winston Backus (born 1920), Canadian politician See also Backusella, a genus of fungi named after the surname Backus, in honour of Professor M. P. Backus References