HOWELL
Howell
Howell is a Welsh surname of Anglo-Saxon origins that is derived from the personal name "Hywel" meaning "eminent" or "prominent." The name is of great historical significance in Wales, particularly in the region of Powys. The Welsh spelling of Howell is often rendered as "Hywel" and is associated with the legendary 10th-century Welsh ruler Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good).
Origins and History:
The Howell surname can trace its roots back to the early medieval period in Wales, where it was initially a personal name that evolved into a hereditary surname. The Howell family was prominent in Welsh history, and many notable individuals bearing the Howell surname have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, academia, and the arts.
Distribution and Popularity:
The Howell surname is most commonly found in Wales and England, particularly in regions with a strong Welsh heritage. Over the centuries, many individuals bearing the Howell surname migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This has contributed to the global distribution of the Howell surname.
Notable Individuals:
- Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good): A 10th-century Welsh king who is renowned for his legal reforms and efforts to unify and codify Welsh laws.
- David Howell: British Conservative politician and member of the House of Lords.
- Gwynne Howell: Welsh opera singer known for his bass-baritone vocal range.
- Leora Howell: Australian Paralympic athlete who has competed in multiple Paralympic Games.
Coat of Arms:
The Howell family crest typically features symbols such as a lion, a dragon, or a chevron, which are common elements in Welsh heraldry. These symbols often represent traits such as courage, strength, and loyalty, reflecting the values associated with the Howell family.
Conclusion:
The Howell surname is an important part of Welsh heritage and history, with a legacy that spans centuries. From the legendary Hywel Dda to modern-day pioneers in various fields, individuals with the Howell surname have left their mark on society and continue to uphold the proud traditions of their Welsh ancestry.
There are approximately 23,134 people named Howell in the UK. That makes it the 366th most common surname in Britain. Around 355 in a million people in Britain are named Howell.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Wales
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Welsh
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Patricia
- 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.