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.
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 ‚Äö"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 ‚Äö"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 ‚Äö"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?
Glen Powell
Glen Thomas Powell Jr. (born Oct 21, 1988) is an American actor known for his roles in various films and TV series. Powell gained recognition for his performances in movies like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Hidden Figures." He also appeared in TV shows such as "Scream Queens" and "The Lying Game." Powell's diverse acting skills have earned him critical acclaim and a growing fan base in the entertainment industry.
Jerome Powell
Jerome Hayden "Jay" Powell (born Feb 4, 1953) is an American investment banker and lawyer who has been the 16th chair of the Federal Reserve since 2018. Powell is known for his consensus-building skills and actions to combat financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been praised for his efforts to support growth and employment while overseeing the Federal Reserve's monetary policies. Powell's actions have been influential in shaping Wall Street's reactions and asset prices, earning him the nickname "Wall Street's Head of State." He was recently confirmed for a second term as Federal Reserve Chair, indicating a shift in policy towards combatting high inflation.
Colin Powell
Colin Luther Powell (April 5, 1937 – October 18, 2021) was an American diplomat and army officer. He was the first African-American to serve as the United States Secretary of State and held various high-ranking military positions, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, overseeing military operations like the Persian Gulf War. Despite controversies surrounding his role in the Iraq War, Powell was known for his leadership and dedication to public service. He authored several books and received numerous awards for his contributions to the military and diplomacy.
Robert Powell
Robert Thomas Powell (June 1, 1944) is an English actor best known for his roles as Mahler in "Mahler" (1974) and Jesus of Nazareth in the TV miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth" (1977). He also portrayed Richard Hannay in "The Thirty Nine Steps" (1978) and appeared in "Doomwatch" (1970), "The Detectives" (1993–1997), and "Holby City" (2005–2011). Powell's distinctive voice is recognizable from narrating documentaries on World War II. He received a BAFTA nomination for his role as Jesus and won a Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival for "Imperative" (1982). Powell's career spans film, television, and stage, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Enoch Powell
John Enoch Powell (June 16, 1912 – February 8, 1998) was a British politician, scholar, and writer known for his controversial views on British immigration. He served as a Member of Parliament and Minister of Health, but gained notoriety for his "Rivers of Blood" speech, criticizing immigration and opposing anti-discrimination laws. Despite being dismissed from the Shadow Cabinet, Powell maintained his beliefs and even endorsed a different political party. His legacy remains divisive, with some praising his stance on immigration while others condemn it. Powell's background as a classical scholar and writer added depth to his political career, making him a complex figure in British history.
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