Powell Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Powell come from? What does the surname Powell mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Powell and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Howell, Powel, Powles
Surname Powell Origin: What does the last name Powell mean?
Powell is a patronymic surname of Welsh origin, derived from the name Hywel, later Anglicized as Howell. The prefix "ap" means "son of", forming "ap Hywel" or "son of Hywel". The Powell surname is uncommon among those of Welsh descent and has roots in a dynasty of kings in Wales and Brittany in the 9th and 10th centuries, with connections to three Welsh royal houses. The House of Tudor, a prominent Royal house of England, also traces its lineage back to the Powell dynasty.According to YourRoots data, the Powell surname first appeared in records from England in the early 14th century. It became increasingly prevalent in the United States from the 16th century onwards, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom in frequency by the 17th century. The surname has since spread globally, with significant presence in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland. The Powell surname reflects a rich history and has evolved over the centuries to become established in various regions and cultures worldwide.
Powell Last Name History: Where did the last name Powell come from?
Origin of Powell Surname: Where does the last name Powell originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Powell first appeared in records from England in the United Kingdom around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact ‚"Powell" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Powell: What does the Powell surname history look like in the early days?
The ‚"Powell" surname remained closely associated with England in the United Kingdom from the 14th through the 15th century. The frequency of Powell in YourRoots data started increasing in the United States from the 16th century, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom by the 17th century. The data also shows Powell family records in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, indicating global expansion over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Powell surname today?
The 16th century saw a significant growth in the volume of records with the Powell surname in the United States. This trend continued into the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, with the United States having the highest frequency of the Powell surname. The ‚"Powell" surname has since spread worldwide and appears in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Germany, France, Scotland, Wales, Jamaica, Mexico, and Brazil.
Explore Powell last name heritage and Powell surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Powell Surame?
Colin Powell
Colin Luther Powell (April 5, 1937 - October 18, 2021) was an influential American diplomat and army officer. He served as the 65th United States Secretary of State, the first African-American to hold the office, and the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell was known for his military career and his role in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
Clifton Powell
Clifton Powell (born Mar 16, 1956) is an American actor known for his supporting roles in films like "Ray" (2004). With over 100 film credits, he appeared in "Menace II Society" (1993) and played Martin Luther King Jr. in "Selma, Lord, Selma" (1999). Powell is also recognized for his voice acting in the video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas."
Jane Powell
Jane Powell (Suzanne Lorraine Burce; April 1, 1929 – September 16, 2021) was an American actress, singer, and dancer known for her roles in classic MGM musicals like "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Royal Wedding." With a soprano voice and girl-next-door charm, Powell left a lasting legacy in Hollywood.
Eleanor Powell
Eleanor Torrey Powell (Nov 21, 1912 - Feb 11, 1982) was an American dancer and actress known for her tap dance numbers in Golden Age Hollywood films. Powell's versatile and athletic style made her one of MGM's top dancing stars, appearing in classics like "Born to Dance" and "Broadway Melody of 1940."
Isabel Washington Powell
Isabel "Belle" Geraldine Washington Powell (May 23, 1908 – May 1, 2007) was a dancer, showgirl, and actress known for her work during the Harlem Renaissance. She was the first wife of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and later became a special education teacher after their divorce.
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