Surname Powell - Meaning and Origin

How iGenea's DNA Analysis Unveiled Surprising Insights About My Powell Ancestry

Recently, I undertook a comprehensive DNA test overseen by iGENEA to unlock the mysteries surrounding my ancestral Powell lineage. I hoped to gain clarity about my family roots, but what I discovered went beyond my expectations.

R. Powell

Powell: What does the surname Powell mean?

The last name Powell is an English surname derived from the Welsh name Ap Howell, which means “son of Howell”. The Howell in this instance is taken from the personal name Hywel, which is composed of the elements hy meaning “eminent” and gwel meaning “lord” or “ruler”.

As a result, the original bearer of the Powell surname and its descendants were likely prominent clan leaders or local rulers. The surname is also associated with Welsh language and culture, as the root name Hywel is a Welsh borrowing from the Old English personal name Hwala and is quite unique to the language.

The Powells are one of the oldest recorded family lines in England, with records of their surname dating back to the early 12th century in the early days of English monarchy and feudalism. The Powell name has an illustrious history, one that tells of prestige and powerful heritage, as it was one held by nobles and knights.

In more modern times, the Powell surname has extended across the world, with those who bear it inhabiting Australia, the United States, and numerous other countries of the world. The powerful legacy of the Powell name continues to this day as a symbol of strength and hospitality.

Powell: Where does the name Powell come from?

The last name Powell is most common in the United Kingdom and the United States, though it is found in many other countries as well. In the UK, the Powell surname is found most commonly in the Wales, Shropshire, and Herefordshire regions. In the US, the Powell name is most commonly found in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. It is also commonly found in the states of Massachusetts, Alabama, and Tennessee.

The Powell name is also found in many other countries, including Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Ireland, and New Zealand. In South America, Powell is somewhat less common. The name is most commonly found in Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador. In Europe, the name is most commonly found in Germany, the Netherlands, and France.

Powell is derived from the Old English word 'pul' which means 'pool'. This likely translates to a family who lived near a body of water, such as a pond, river, or lake. The surname is also sometimes spelled 'Powel'. In the US, the spelling 'Powell' is used more frequently, however.

The Powell name has been around for centuries, and many Powell families have a long history. In the US, many are descended from the first persons to settle in the states; in the UK, many can trace their family history back to medieval times. It is likely that the Powell name will continue to be a common one for many generations to come.

Variations of the surname Powell

The surname Powell is of Welsh origin, deriving from 'ap-Hywel' meaning "son of Hywel" and was a common name in Wales since the Middle Ages. Variations of the surname Powell include 'Powells', 'Powel', 'Powell', 'Poweles', 'Powells', 'Powelle', 'Powles'.

The alternate spellings 'Power' and 'Powers' are, in most cases, a variation of Powell, stemming from a similar Welsh origin. Primarily used in Ireland, variations such as 'McPower', 'McPowells', and 'McPowel' have also been used.

Likewise, it is also common around the world to see variations of the surname, such as 'Powe', 'Powel', 'Powis', 'Powel', 'Powelles', 'Povel' and 'Poe'.

In Scotland, the surname Macolm has also been associated with the surname Powell, being used in conjunction with 'Macolm Pouil' instead of 'Macolm. This could be due to a mix of Gaelic and Welch origins from the medieval period.

In Germany, the surname 'Poll' has been used in old documents, as well as the alternate spelling 'Pohl', both of which are thought to have derived from Powell.

It should also be noted that a number of sub-origins of the surname have developed in different countries, such as the 'Powelsof' Pennsylvania and the 'Pouilloux' of France, both of which have developed independently and have no direct link to the original Welsh 'ap-Hywel' origin.

Famous people with the name Powell

• Colin Powell: Former four-star general in the United States' Army, former Secretary of State, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and National Security Advisor.
• Boogie Powell: Former baseball player best known as the starting first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles during the 1970s.
• Billy Powell: Keyboardist for the legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
• Kamala Harris: US Senator, current Vice President of the United States, and former attorney general of California.
• Wes Powell: First African American to serve as Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Legal Counsel.
• Anthony Powell: English novelist best known for his twelve-volume work A Dance to the Music of Time.
• Adam Powell: British computer game developer who created the game Neopets.
• Anthony Wayne Powell: Professional basketball player and coach.
• Adam Clayton Powell Jr: Pastor and politician who represented Harlem in the United States House of Representatives from 1945 to 1971.
• Cullen Powell: American actress and director best known for her role in the TV series The Good Place.
• Don Powell: Drummer of the glam rock band Slade.
• Tamara Powell: Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer.
• Jane Powell: American singer, dancer, and actress best known for her roles in the musical films Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Royal Wedding.
• Kathy Powell: Canadian musician and multi-media artist.
• W. J. Alston Powell: American Civil War General and Episcopalian Bishop.
• Judy Powell: Member of the British War Cabinet during World War II.
• Joel Powell: Canadian progressive rock artist.
• Karen Powell: Former Principal Director for Production and Logistics for the U.S. Navy.
• Warren D. Powell: Professor of operations research and financial engineering at Princeton University.
• David J. Powell: British astronomer and astrophysicist best known for his work on the origin of galaxies.

Other surnames

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