Surname Nowlen - Meaning and Origin

Nowlen: What does the surname Nowlen mean?

The surname Nowlen does not have a widely known or well-documented meaning. It appears to have various spellings, including Nowland, Nowlin, and Nolen, which may suggest different origins or etymologies. Like many surnames, it could potentially be derived from a geographic location, profession, or a characteristic of a family's patriarch. For a definitive interpretation of the name's meaning, professional genealogical research would be necessary. Most commonly, surnames associated with the spellings Nowlen or Nolen have been found in the British Isles, particularly Ireland, indicating a potential Celtic origin. However, the interpretation of the name's meaning varies. Always remember, surnames and their meanings can evolve over time, influenced by migration, language changes, and transcription errors. Therefore, tracing the name's meaning might require tracing family history to where the name might have originated.

Nowlen: Where does the name Nowlen come from?

The last name Nowlen is most commonly found in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the last name is mostly concentrated in the south-central region of the country, and is especially prevalent in Arkansas, where records indicate that over 600 individuals with the last name Nowlen live within the state. The other states with a population of Nowlens include Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas.

In Canada, the last name is most concentrated in the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba. Alberta in particular has one of the highest numbers of Nowlens in all of Canada, with over 150 individuals listed in the region. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and New Brunswick also have a significant population of individuals carrying the last name.

Altogether, the last name of Nowlen is carried by a small but significant number of individuals across both countries. As the United States and Canada are strongholds of English-speaking cultures, it is likely that the Nowlen last name has its origins in England or a place with a strong English influence. The exact origin of the name remains unknown, however.

Variations of the surname Nowlen

The surname Nowlen has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the more popular variants for the surname Nowlen include Nowland, Nowlin, Noland, Nolin, and Noullen. Additionally, spellings such as Nolen and Noulan also exist but are less common.

Most variants of the Nowlen surname are derived from a patronymic surname, which is typically derived from the given name of a father or ancestor that has been passed down through the family line. For example, the surname Nowland is derived from the old English given name Naewald. Nolin is a diminutive form of the name Nelson, and Noullen may have been derived from the given name Nouel.

Other variants of the Nowlen surname include Noulton, Noall, Knowles, and Newell. These variations likely originated from given names of ancestors, such as Neutun or Noel, or from locales such as Nowell in Lancashire, England, or from a Norman personal name, such as Nuvre. Knowles likely originated as an occupational name for someone who makes or sells knives.

The spelling of Noulan also exists, as this variation is sometimes found among French-Canadian families who descended from immigrants who arrived in North America from France during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Nowlen surname also has a few notable variations in other languages around the world. For example, Nowlan is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Nualláin, which is a variant of Ó Nualláin meaning “descendant of Nuallán”. Additionally, variants such as Nolte and Nolten have a German origin, with Nolte being derived from the Middle High German word "nolt," meaning "bold." Finally, variants such as Novell and Novello have their origins in Italy, with Novell being derived from the Italian Montanovelli.

Overall, the Nowlen surname has a wide variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. All of which trace their roots back to an ancestor’s given name or a place of origin.

Famous people with the name Nowlen

• Michael Nowlen: Award-winning actor, author and producer best known for his work in "The Island" and "Darkman".
• Richard Nowlen: Grammy Award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has written for and performed with acclaimed artists such as Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton and Cyndi Lauper.
• Jean Nowlen: Award-winning costume designer and producer who has worked on films and television series like the That 70's Show, Gilmore Girls, and The O.C.
• Caron Nowlen: Popular jazz singer and songwriter who has performed all over the world.
• Lola Nowlen: Award-winning novelist whose books have been featured in Oprah's Book Club, The New York Times and other esteemed lists.
• Jeff Nowlen: Veteran music supervisor and executive who has worked with iconic movies and television shows such as Crash, Six Feet Under and 24.
• Chris Nowlen: Professional photographer who has been featured on covers of magazines such as People and US Weekly.
• John Nowlen: Notable composer whose works have been featured in major films and television projects.
• Angelica Nowlen: Internationally-renowned fashion designer whose collections have been bought by celebrities and showcased in fashion shows.
• Helen Nowlen: Established documentary filmmaker and journalist who has won several Emmys.

Other surnames

Nowles