Powdrill

Powdrill is a rare British surname of English origin. It is believed to be of locational origin, deriving from the old French word "poudre" meaning "powder", and possibly "rille", a small stream. This could suggest that the name may have described a person living by a stream where gunpowder was stored or manufactured.

The Powdrill surname is mainly found in the East Midlands of England, particularly in Nottinghamshire and adjacent counties. The earliest recorded instance of this surname dates back to the 16th century in the parish records of Nottinghamshire. Over the centuries, Powdrill families have spread to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

The Powdrill name has various spellings, including Powdrell, Poudrill, and Poudrell. Like many surnames, its spelling has evolved over time due to factors such as illiteracy and regional accents.

Notable individuals who bear the Powdrill surname have made contributions to various fields, though the name remains relatively obscure in public records and historical accounts.

In conclusion, Powdrill is a distinctive and intriguing surname with roots in local place names of historic England. Its rarity adds to its appeal for those interested in genealogy and the rich tapestry of British surnames.

There are approximately 476 people named Powdrill in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Powdrill.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Brian
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Michael
  • Philip
  • Simon
  • Thomas
  • Wayne

Female

  • Beverley
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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.