Backus is a middle english surname deriving from the Old English bacan "to bake" and hus "house." It is believed to originate in Cumberland and Durham. Notable people with the surname include:
A.E. Backus (1909–1990), American artistAzel Backus (1765–1816), first President of Hamilton College in New YorkBilly Backus (born 1943), former world boxing championEdward Burdette Backus (1888–1955), American Unitarian minister and humanistEdward Wellington Backus (1861–1934), American timber baronFrederick F. Backus (1794–1858), American physician and member of the New York State SenateGeorge Edward Backus (born 1930), American geophysicistGus Backus (born 1937), American singerHenny Backus (1911–2004), Broadway showgirl and wife of Jim BackusHenry T. Backus (1809–1877), American politician, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan and judge in Arizona TerritoryIsaac Backus (1724–1806), American Baptist preacher and politicianJan Backus (20th century), Vermont state senatorJeff Backus (born 1977), American professional football playerJim Backus (1913–1989), American actorJohn Backus (1924–2007), American computer scientistSharron Backus (born 1946), American former softball player and coachWinston Backus (born 1920), Canadian politician
