Origin & Meaning of the Dowell Surname
What does the last name Dowell mean?
The surname Dowell 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 15,320 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dowell ranks as the #2,377 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dowell come from?
The Dowell 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 Dowell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dowell 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 | Dowell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,377 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,320 |
| Per 100K People | 5.19 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dowell
According to the US Census, the Dowell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,320 Americans with the Dowell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.23% |
| Black | 18.79% |
| Hispanic | 2.26% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.38% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 1.86% |
Popularity of Dowell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dowell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dowell surname increased by 94 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dowell
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