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 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 (born 1937), 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
Sharron Backus (born 1946), American former softball player and coach
Winston Backus (born 1920), Canadian politician
