Middle English word hovylle comes from Proto-Indo-European *kewp-, Proto-Indo-European *keup-, and later Proto-Germanic *hufą (Hill, elevated place. House, hall, estate.)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *kewp- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *keup- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *hufą | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Hill, elevated place. House, hall, estate. |
| hof | Old English (ang) | A hoof Court, hall, sanctuary. House, dwelling, hovel. |
| hovel | Middle English (enm) |