Receiving the city’s highest honour places Howe alongside notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Bob Geldof, and the late Cardinal Basil Hume.
Howe led the club to its first domestic trophy win in 70 years in March, when the Magpies lifted the Carabao Cup after beating Liverpool 2-1, and has guided the team back to Champions League qualification.
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Karen Kilgour, said: “Eddie Howe will forever be a hero to Newcastle United supporters for his achievements during his time at the club so far, and I’m thrilled members recognised the significance of his contribution to our city by approving to bestow upon him the Honorary Freedom of Newcastle.
“More than being the man who brought silverware back to Tyneside, Eddie is a fantastic ambassador for our city.
“He is passionate yet calm, inspiring and polite, and handles himself with grace in the face of both success and defeat.”
Days after the cup win, Ms Kilgour started the process for Howe to join the ranks of other club legends Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer, and Jackie Milburn in gaining the freedom.
This nomination was supported at a meeting of Newcastle City Council on Wednesday.
The citation read: “Eddie Howe’s achievements during his time at Newcastle United are nothing short of extraordinary.
“Newcastle United is part of the fabric of our city with the fortunes of the club playing a huge part in the lives of supporters in Newcastle and across the world.
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“Generations of supporters have never seen their beloved club lift a domestic trophy, and under his leadership we all now have treasured memories of a truly unforgettable day.”
A date will be set for Howe to receive the Freedom of the City at a special event.
This honour means Howe will have his name inscribed in the wall of the Banqueting Hall at the Civic Centre, alongside the names of other recipients.
