Bowell

The surname Bowell is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "boga" meaning bow, and "hyll" meaning hill, thus denoting someone who lived near or on a bow-shaped hill. The name Bowell is classified as a locational surname, reflecting the historical habit of identifying individuals by the place they resided in or near.

The variant spellings of the surname Bowell include Bowel, Bovell, and Bovill, reflecting the evolution of language and dialects over time. The name is most commonly found in the southern regions of England, with a notable concentration in the county of Kent.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bowell include Richard Bowell, a prominent landowner in Kent during the 18th century, known for his philanthropic contributions to the local community. The name Bowell has also been documented in historical records related to military service, trade occupations, and agricultural endeavours.

Through its historical roots and regional significance, the surname Bowell contributes to the rich tapestry of British surnames and genealogy. It remains a testament to the diverse cultural and historical influences that have shaped the British Isles over the centuries.

There are approximately 789 people named Bowell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,873rd most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Bowell.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alvin
  • Colin
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Emma
  • Gay
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Maureen
  • Natalie
  • Patricia
  • Pauline
  • Ruth
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Wendy
  • Yvonne

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.