Horwill

Horwill is a distinguished British surname with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The name is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name "Horwulf", composed of the elements "hor" meaning "dirt" or "filth", and "wulf", a wolf, which was a common element in Old English personal names.

The surname Horwill has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Horwel, Horwall, and Horweill. It is primarily found in the southwestern counties of England, particularly Devon and Cornwall.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Horwill include Sir Thomas Horwill, a renowned explorer and cartographer who journeyed to the New World in the early 17th century, and Dr. Emily Horwill, a pioneering scientist in the field of biochemistry in the late 19th century.

The coat of arms associated with the surname Horwill features a shield emblazoned with a wolf rampant on a field of brown, symbolising strength, independence, and loyalty.

Today, the surname Horwill remains relatively uncommon but holds a rich history and heritage within the British Isles.

There are approximately 90 people named Horwill in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Horwill.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Colin
  • Lawrence

Female

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.