Origin & Meaning of the Nowell Surname
What does the last name Nowell mean?
The surname Nowell 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 6,112 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nowell ranks as the #5,676 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nowell come from?
The Nowell 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 Nowell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nowell 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 | Nowell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,676 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,112 |
| Per 100K People | 2.07 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nowell
According to the US Census, the Nowell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,112 Americans with the Nowell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.77% |
| Black | 17.15% |
| Hispanic | 2.8% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 2.0% |
Popularity of Nowell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nowell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nowell surname increased by 831 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Nowell Family
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- ✓ The Nowell coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Nowell families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Nowell
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nowell.
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 Nowell.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nowell
Top Surnames Starting with N
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter N, ranked by population.
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