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.
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, Red Dawn, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. His breakout role as Ponyboy Curtis in The Outsiders earned him critical acclaim and a Young Artist Award. Howell has continued to work in film and television, with notable appearances in Gettysburg, Criminal Minds, and The Amazing Spider-Man. With a career spanning decades, Howell remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Mary Howell
Mary Catherine Raugust Howell (September 2, 1932 – February 5, 1998) was a pioneering physician, psychologist, lawyer, and advocate for women's rights in the medical field. She served as the first woman dean at Harvard Medical School, leading the charge to end quotas and open medical schools to women. Dr. Howell co-founded the National Women's Health Network and authored impactful books on women in medicine. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was a devoted mother of seven, a mentor to many, and a talented musician who played violin and viola. Her legacy lives on through the Mary Howell memorial scholarship at the Children's Orchestra Society.
Lovey Howell
Eunice "Lovey" Wentworth Howell (née Wentworth) is a fictional character from the 1964 television show Gilligan's Island. Portrayed by Natalie Schafer, Lovey Howell is a wealthy socialite married to millionaire Thurston Howell III. Despite her lavish lifestyle, she shows kindness and maternal instincts to her fellow castaways, even acting as a mother figure to some. Known for her elegant demeanor and high society background, Lovey adds a touch of sophistication to the comedic adventures on the deserted island.
Roy Howell
Roy Lee Howell (Dec 18, 1953) is a former American professional baseball third baseman who played for the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball from 1974 to 1984. Howell made his mark in the MLB, earning a franchise record for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977 and being selected as a reserve player for the 1978 All-Star Game. After retiring from baseball, he coached in the San Diego Padres' farm system and managed the Pennsylvania Road Warriors. Howell's impact on the field and in coaching showcases his dedication to the sport.
Margaret Kempe Howell
Margaret Louisa Kempe Howell (January 6, 1806 – November 24, 1867) was an American heiress, planter, and slaveowner known as the mother of Confederate First Lady Varina Davis and mother-in-law of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Despite facing financial difficulties, she inherited sixty slaves and two thousand acres of land in Mississippi upon her marriage. After fleeing to Canada following the Civil War, she passed away in Quebec. Howell's fascinating life story intertwines with prominent figures in American history, making her a notable figure in the antebellum South.
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