Holwell

Holwell is an English surname with origins dating back to medieval times. The surname is locational, which means that it originates from the name of the place where the initial bearer of the name lived.

The name 'Holwell' is derived from the Old English words "hol," meaning hollow or sunken ground, and "well," which referred to a spring or water source. Therefore, the name likely originally referred to a settlement located near a hollow or sunken well.

Historically, individuals with the surname Holwell have been documented in various regions of England, with notable concentrations in counties such as Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. The name has also been associated with the village of Holwell in Hertfordshire, which is believed to have inspired the surname of some families.

Throughout the centuries, bearers of the Holwell surname have been found in a wide range of occupations, from farmers and tradespeople to nobility and clergy. The surname has likely evolved in spelling and pronunciation over time, leading to variations such as Holwill, Halwell, and Hollowell.

In contemporary times, the surname Holwell continues to be borne by individuals around the world, with some descendants having emigrated from the British Isles to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Overall, the Holwell surname is a part of the rich tapestry of British surnames, reflecting the ancestral roots and geographical ties of families who have carried the name through generations.

There are approximately 356 people named Holwell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Holwell.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Ben
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Matthew
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Sven
  • William

Female

  • Da
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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