Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

First name (Optional)

Middle name (Optional)

Last name* (Required)

Advanced Search Options

Exact match

(Show only records that exactly match the information entered.)

Birth year (Optional)

Death year (Optional)

Birth location (Optional)

Death location (Optional)

Powell Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Powell Surname

The surname Powell is a patronymic form originating from the Welsh name Hywel, with "ap Hywel" meaning "son of Hywel." Over time, this name was Anglicized to "Powell" or "Howell." With its roots in a dynasty of Welsh and Breton kings during the 9th and 10th centuries, Powell has historical connections to Welsh royal houses and even the House of Tudor in England. Despite its noble beginnings, Powell remains relatively uncommon among those of Welsh descent today.

The Powell surname has evolved significantly over the centuries. Initially emerging in England in the early 14th century, it became a key identity for families establishing themselves across various regions. By the late medieval period, the Powell name gained prominence, reflecting its integration into English society and its spread as families branched out. This expansion continued as Powells migrated to North America and beyond, becoming part of the tapestry of diverse cultures and societies.

According to the YourRoots dataset, the Powell surname's presence in England during the 14th century marks the beginning of its genealogical history. This aligns with the historical spread noted in Powell family records, as the surname continued to grow and thrive through the centuries. By the 18th century, Powell families had firmly established themselves in the United States, further enriching their genealogy with new cultural influences and historical narratives.

Today, Powell genealogy records, as highlighted by YourRoots, reveal a global distribution of the name, with significant representation in the United States. This widespread presence offers a rich field for genealogical research, allowing individuals to explore their connections to the Powell family tree and uncover the diverse history woven into their lineage.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Powell Family Tree

Search more Powell trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Powell for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Powell Family Lineage

Origin of the Powell Family: Where does the Powell surname come from?

The Powell surname has its earliest known appearance in England during the early 14th century, marking a significant point in genealogical history. This connection to England serves as the foundation for many family trees, as individuals bearing the Powell name began to establish their roots. The historical context of this period highlights the beginning of familial lines that would evolve over centuries.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Powell

During the subsequent centuries, the Powell family experienced notable growth and expansion within England, particularly in regions that were flourishing at the time. By the late 15th and early 16th centuries, there was a distinct increase in the number of individuals with the Powell surname, indicating a thriving lineage that began to branch out. Families began to establish their own identities, creating diverse branches of the family tree across various areas.

As time progressed into the 17th century, the Powell surname continued to flourish, reflecting a robust family network that was likely involved in trade, agriculture, and local governance. This expansion set the stage for even further migrations and connections, leading to the establishment of Powell families in new regions both within and beyond England.

Tracing the Powell Family Tree Through the Centuries

The geographical spread of the Powell surname became increasingly pronounced as families migrated to other countries, particularly in North America, during the 18th century. The establishment of Powell families in the United States during this period marked a significant shift in the family tree, as they adapted to new environments and began to integrate into American society. By the 19th century, the Powell lineage was firmly rooted in various regions of the United States, allowing for a vibrant tapestry of family histories.

Throughout the 20th century, the Powell surname continued to thrive, with branches of the family tree extending across multiple continents, including Australia and Canada. This global expansion reflects the adaptability and resilience of the Powell families as they navigated social and economic changes. The evolution of the surname over centuries illustrates a rich and diverse family history that spans generations and geographies.

Where to Find Powell Genealogy Records Today

In modern centuries, the Powell surname is widely represented, particularly in the United States, showcasing a dynamic legacy that continues to grow. The early 21st century has seen a resurgence of interest in genealogical research, encouraging individuals to explore their connections to the Powell family tree. Readers are invited to delve into the extensive Powell genealogy records available in the YourRoots database to uncover their own unique family histories and connections.

Famous People with Powell (and Their Family Tree)

Glen Powell

Glen Thomas Powell Jr. is a renowned American actor celebrated for his roles in major films and series. He rose to fame with performances in "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Hidden Figures," where he portrayed Jake "Hangman" Seresin and astronaut John Glenn, respectively. Powell's career features an impressive range, including roles in "The Expendables 3," "Set It Up," and the Netflix film "Sand Castle." His contribution to the dark comedy "Hit Man," which he co-wrote and produced, earned him a Golden Globe nomination, highlighting his versatility and talent in Hollywood.

Powell was raised in Austin, Texas, and comes from a diverse background. His father, Glen Powell Sr., is an executive coach with Polish and Lipka Tatar ancestry, originally bearing the surname Chutsky. Powell grew up with two sisters, and his mother, Cyndy, was a homemaker, providing a supportive family environment that shaped his early life and career aspirations.

Jerome Powell

Jerome Hayden Powell, born February 4, 1953, is a prominent American investment banker and lawyer, known for serving as the 16th Chair of the Federal Reserve since 2018. With a rich career in finance and law, Powell was a partner at The Carlyle Group and held roles in investment banking at Dillon, Read & Co. He was also Under Secretary of the Treasury for Domestic Finance under President George H. W. Bush. Notably, Powell's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic received bipartisan praise for stabilizing the U.S. economy. His tenure is marked by significant actions in monetary policy, including adjustments to quantitative easing and addressing inflation concerns.

Jerome Powell hails from Washington, D.C., and is one of six children born to Patricia (née Hayden) and Jerome Powell Sr., a lawyer. His maternal grandfather, James J. Hayden, notably served as Dean of the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University of America and later lectured at Georgetown Law School. Powell's family background in law influenced his education and career, contributing to his legal acumen and leadership capabilities.

Colin Powell

Colin Luther Powell (April 5, 1937 – October 18, 2021) was a distinguished American diplomat and army officer, serving as the 65th United States Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. Notably, he was the first African-American to hold this position. Powell also served as the 15th National Security Advisor and the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, overseeing significant military operations such as the Persian Gulf War. His military career spanned 35 years, culminating in the rank of four-star general. Powell was recognized with numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Colin Powell was born in Harlem, New York City, to Jamaican immigrants Maud Ariel (née McKoy) and Luther Theophilus Powell. His parents were of mixed African, Irish, and Scottish ancestry. Raised in the South Bronx, Powell attended Morris High School and later the City College of New York, where he excelled in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). His father worked as a shipping clerk, and his mother as a seamstress, providing a humble yet supportive upbringing.

Robert Powell

Robert Thomas Powell, born on 1 June 1944, is an acclaimed English actor best known for his roles in "Mahler" (1974) and "Jesus of Nazareth" (1977). His portrayal of Richard Hannay in "The Thirty Nine Steps" (1978) and its TV spinoff solidified his status in the acting world. Powell's distinctive voice has been a staple in WWII documentaries like "World War II in HD Colour." His accolades include a BAFTA nomination for "Jesus of Nazareth" and a Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival for "Imperative" (1982). His versatile career spans major projects like "Doomwatch," "Holby City," and narrating "Shaka Zulu."

Robert Powell was born in Salford, Lancashire, to parents Kathleen (née Davis) and John Wilson Powell. He has an elder brother named Henry (Harry). Powell was educated at Manchester Grammar School and pursued law at the University of Manchester, which contributed to his well-rounded background prior to his illustrious acting career.

Enoch Powell

Enoch Powell was a prominent British politician, classical scholar, and writer known for his controversial "Rivers of Blood" speech on immigration. Serving as a Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South West with the Conservative Party and later for South Down with the Ulster Unionist Party, Powell was a divisive figure in UK politics. His career highlights include being the Minister of Health and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence. Powell was also a brigadier during World War II and authored works on classical and political subjects, marking a significant impact on British political and cultural discourse.

Powell was born in Stechford, Birmingham, in 1912, the only child of Albert Enoch Powell, a primary school headmaster, and Ellen Mary Ellen. His family was of Welsh descent, with roots in Radnorshire. Powell's grandfather worked in the iron trade, and his great-grandfather was a coal miner. Despite not being wealthy, the family was financially comfortable and valued education, fostering Powell's early love for reading and scholarship.

Powell Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Powell" is of Welsh origin, deriving from the patronymic form of the name Hywel, with "ap" meaning "son of," thus forming "ap Hywel" or "son of Hywel." It traces back to a dynasty of kings in Wales and Brittany during the 9th and 10th centuries and is connected to the lineage of the House of Tudor, a notable royal house in England.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Powell

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Powell family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Powell surname to learn more.