Pownall

Pownall is an ancient English surname of locational origin, stemming from various villages in Cheshire, including High Pownall and Pownall Fee. The name itself is derived from the Old English words "pāgen" (meaning pagan) and "halh" (referring to a remote valley or nook).

The Pownall family is notable for its illustrious history, with the earliest recorded instance found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a William de Pounhale is listed among those holding lands in Cheshire. Over the centuries, the name has spread across the UK and beyond, with individuals bearing the surname making contributions to a range of fields.

Notable bearers of the surname include Sir Thomas Pownall (1722–1805), a British colonial statesman and author, known for his contributions to political and economic thought, and Emily Pownall (1842–1915), a prominent suffragette and social reformer who played a significant role in the fight for women's rights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, individuals with the surname Pownall can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name Pownall continues to be a source of pride for many families, connecting them to a rich heritage and a legacy of achievement.

There are approximately 2,485 people named Pownall in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,532nd most common surname in Britain. Around 38 in a million people in Britain are named Pownall.

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

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Thomas

Female

  • Alison
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jayne
  • Jean
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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