Origin & Meaning of the Howell Surname
What does the last name Howell mean?
The surname Howell 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 112,041 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Howell ranks as the #272 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Howell come from?
The Howell 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 Howell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Howell 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 | Howell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #272 |
| US Count (2010) | 112,041 |
| Per 100K People | 37.98 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Howell
According to the US Census, the Howell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 112,041 Americans with the Howell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.48% |
| Black | 15.08% |
| Hispanic | 2.46% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.72% |
| Two or More Races | 1.8% |
Popularity of Howell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Howell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Howell surname increased by 2,407 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Howell
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