Howell Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Howell come from? What does the surname Howell mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Howell and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Powell, Howells, Howle
Surname Howell Origin: What does the last name Howell mean?
Howell is a surname of Welsh origin, derived from the masculine given name Hywel, meaning "eminent" or "prominent." The name has its roots in a dynasty of kings in Wales and Brittany during the 9th and 10th centuries, notably King Hywel Dda ("Howel the Good"). The surname Howell is believed to have originated as "son of Hoel" in Welsh, with the Latin motto Virtus in arduo. The name Howell has been popular since the Middle Ages in honor of Hywel Dda. The surname Howell has a strong presence in the United States, the British Isles, Australia, Canada, Jamaica, South Africa, and New Zealand, with over 74.0% of bearers residing in the US as of 2014.
YourRoots data confirms the early appearance of the Howell surname in records from Wales in the early 13th century. Over the centuries, the surname Howell spread to England and later to the United States, becoming more prevalent in the 17th century. Today, the Howell surname can be found globally, with significant populations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Jamaica, South Africa, and New Zealand. The surname Howell reflects a rich Welsh heritage and a legacy of prominent figures, with descendants spread across various countries and regions worldwide.
Howell Last Name History: Where did the last name Howell come from?
Origin of Howell Surname: Where does the last name Howell originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Howell first appeared in records from Wales in the United Kingdom in the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Howell” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Howell: What does the Howell surname history look like in the early days?
The “Howell” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 13th through the 15th century. However, during the 16th century, the Howell family records started to increase significantly in England, indicating a shift in the surname's distribution within the United Kingdom. By the 17th century, the Howell surname had begun to appear more frequently in the United States according to YourRoots data.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Howell surname today?
By the late 16th century, the Howell surname started to show a notable presence in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom by the early 17th century. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, with the United States having the highest volume of Howell surname records. Today, the Howell surname can be found in many countries, but it remains most prominent in the United States, reflecting its historical spread.
Explore Howell last name heritage and Howell surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME HOWELL
Famous People With Howell Surame?
C. Thomas Howell
Christopher Thomas Howell (Dec 7, 1966 - ) is an American actor, musician, and director known for his roles in iconic 80s films like The Outsiders and Red Dawn. He has also appeared in popular TV shows like Criminal Minds and Southland.
Thomas Bayly Howell
Thomas Bayly Howell FRS (6 Sep 1767 - 13 Apr 1815) was an English lawyer and writer known for editing Howell's State Trials. Born in Jamaica, he studied at Oxford and became a Fellow of the Royal Society. His work on legal cases in England has left a lasting impact.
Dick Howell
Richard John Howell (Oct 12, 1903 - Jul 20, 1967) was an American competition swimmer who set world records and won multiple NCAA national collegiate titles. He represented the U.S. at the 1924 Summer Olympics. Howell was known for his exceptional swimming skills and achievements during his career.
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