Origin & Meaning of the Cowell Surname
What does the last name Cowell mean?
The surname Cowell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 6,618 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cowell ranks as the #5,269 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cowell come from?
The Cowell surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cowell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cowell trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cowell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,269 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,618 |
| Per 100K People | 2.24 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cowell
According to the US Census, the Cowell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,618 Americans with the Cowell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.15% |
| Black | 10.28% |
| Hispanic | 2.25% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 2.01% |
Popularity of Cowell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cowell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cowell surname increased by 508 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cowell ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Cowell Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Cowell
- ✓ The Cowell coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Cowell families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Cowell
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cowell.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Cowell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowell
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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