VOWELL
Vowell
Vowell is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Wulfhere, which means "wolf army." The name has evolved over time to its current form, Vowell.
Origins
The Vowell surname is primarily found in the southwestern English counties of Devon and Cornwall. It is believed to have Norman roots, with the name being introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Distribution
According to historical records, the Vowell surname is most common in the aforementioned counties of Devon and Cornwall. However, individuals bearing this surname can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world due to emigration and migration.
Notable Individuals
- Andrew Vowell (c. 1674–1740): An English author and preacher known for his journal documenting his travels through the southern United States in the early 18th century.
- Sarah Vowell (b. 1969): An American author, historian, and commentator, though not directly related to the British Vowell lineage, she has brought attention to the surname through her work.
Modern Usage
The Vowell surname continues to be passed down through generations in families of English descent. It serves as a reminder of the historical and cultural heritage associated with the name.
References
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1995). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 150 people named Vowell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Vowell.
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
- Darren
- David
- Ivan
- John
- Marc
- Martin
- Neil
- Paul
- Ronald
- Simon
Female
- Alisa
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jennifer
- Juliet
- Kate
- Linda
- Louise
- Margaret
- Norah
- Susan
- Vivienne
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.